Integration of Career Literacy in Human Resource Development (HRD) Practice for Corporate Competitiveness

Abstract

This paper employs a narrative literature review to examine the role of career literacy within human resource development (HRD) and talent management practices. Career literacy refers to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that enable individuals to understand career opportunities, clarify career goals, manage their development, and respond adaptively to changing work demands. The review suggests that career literacy is shaped by individual factors, including motivation, interest, and self-efficacy, as well as organisational factors such as managerial support, access to career information, development opportunities, and digital resources. Rather than assuming a direct relationship between career literacy and employee outcomes, this paper proposes that career literacy may operate through increased career clarity and self-management, which can encourage participation in HRD and talent management activities. Such participation may subsequently support employee engagement, retention, career adaptability, and productivity, thereby contributing to organisational capability and competitiveness. However, much of the available evidence remains indirect and is derived from related constructs such as career development, employability, and talent management. Accordingly, the proposed framework should be regarded as a conceptual model requiring further empirical validation.