Abstract
We draw on the conservation of resource theory (COR) to examine the role of grade point average (GPA) for career success among a longitudinal sample, covering the first 15 years of their career. Further, we adopt a resource caravans’ perspective to examine the joint role of GPA and affective-identity motivation to lead (MTL) to explain growth in career success. Results from latent growth curve analysis revealed that GPA was not positively related to initial levels of leadership level and salary level, however, GPA was positively related to increases in leadership and salary level over time and positively related to subjective career success. These findings indicate that the positive impact of GPA for career success accumulates over time, in line with COR theory. As expected, affective identity MTL moderated the relationship between GPA and leadership level, salary level and subjective career success, such that the positive relationship was stronger for individuals higher on affective-identity MTL. These findings highlight the joint role of GPA and affective-identity MTL as resources important for achieving career success later in life.