Authors: Aleksandr Yu. Kokovikhin, Ivan A. Borisov, Elmira R. Gatina

Abstract. The article aims to prove that employees with high­quality education, extensive work experience, specific expertise and professional skills are more likely to be promoted within an organization. The analysis is based on the model of the career theory proposed by one of its founders – Lorne Carmi­chael. Other factors having a potential impact on the intensity of vertical mobility and salary growth, namely personal characteristics of employees, in addition to those indicated in the theoretical model, are examined. The authors reckon that this kind of analysis can help to reveal the specific traits that people should possess if they want to pursue a successful career in a particular organization or perhaps in the sector as a whole.

Keywords: Human capital theory, career management, personnel policy, internal labour market, firm-specific assets, labour contract