Perceived Overqualification and Career Performance in Colleges: The Mediating Role of Career Self-Efficacy and the Moderating Role of Harmonious Passion

Abstract

This research explores the association between perceived overqualification (POQ) and career performance (CP) among college staff in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Grounded in Person–Environment Fit Theory, Social Cognitive Career Theory, and the Dualistic Model of Passion, the study investigates whether POQ can be conceptualized as a constructive resource that enhances career outcomes rather than being regarded solely as a professional disadvantage. Present study examined the mediating effect of career self-efficacy (CSE) and moderating effect of harmonious passion (HP). Simple random sampling was used to reach a sample of 321 valid responses, although 82.06% of the responses were usable. The data were analyzed with the help of SPSS and the PROCESS macro. Findings showed that POQ is a significant and positive predictor of CP. Mediation analysis proved CSE mediates this relationship whereas moderation analysis revealed that HP moderates the positive impact of POQ on CP. These results inform theory by incorporating fit, efficacy, and passion views and practice by implying that overqualification can be utilized by the means of encouraging leadership, training, and role-making. The study shed light on how POQ is relevant in the context of education as well as its capacity to become an engine of sustainable career success.

Keywords: Perceived overqualification, career performance, career self-efficacy, harmonious passion.