Diapositiva 1 - University of Waikato

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Transcript Diapositiva 1 - University of Waikato

General Staff – Professional Development Day

The Psychology of Careers

How careers are enacted in today’s world

The Psychology of Careers

Donald Cable – University of Waikato [email protected]

Who is this bloke?

A quick introduction…

The Psychology of Careers

What do we mean by career?

– Old Meaning = a course of professional advancement; usage restricted to occupations with formal hierarchical progression, such as managers and professionals

(white middle-class American males, cf Brown, 2002)

– New Meaning = the unfolding sequence of any person’s work (paid or unpaid) experiences over time

(Arthur & Rousseau)

The Psychology of Careers

What is Career Development?

No longer synonymous with career progression • Career Development = – Learning (training, education), mentoring, stretch • Career Progression = – Promotion (vertical/lateral), reassignment, transition • Career Planning = – Career goal setting • Career Management = – Career Development

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Career Progression

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Career Planning Career Management –

an individual responsibility

New career dynamics: The Protean Career

• Linear career – an anachronism past its “use-by” date • Driven by the person, not the organization – Self-direction • Psychological vs Vertical/Hierarchical success • Employability (self) vs Security (organization) • Continuous learning/development • Self-awareness, Identity, Adaptability • Personal responsibility • Passion - “Path with a heart” (Joseph Campbell) • New Psychological Contract

New career dynamics: The Boundaryless Career

• Careers for many individuals likely to span across occupational, organizational, political, and geographic boundaries • In response to organizational uncertainty • Networked/Boundaryless organizations • Across levels/functions/companies • Career Independence vs Career Dependence • Multi-skilled/talented “specialist” – Kitbag of competencies • Workforce segmentation: – Core & Contingent (Contractor/Temporary (JIT)) • Decreased organizational tenure – Increased mobility

The Employment Relationship:

The environment within which careers are enacted What has changed?

– Loyalty: more to self – Employability: individual responsibility – Job Security: replaced with employment security – Trust: redefined (mutuality – self & organization) – Career Development: shared responsibility – Career Management risk: transferred from employer to employee – Shared Commitment: to organization and individual success – Shift in Attachment: from organization to career or others

Who provides what?

Employer Provides:

– Opportunities to enhance employability – Opportunities for learning – Flexibility – Performance-based compensation – Greater participation and involvement – Interesting and challenging work

Who provides what?

Employee Provides:

– Commitment to business objectives – Shared responsibility for success • Individual and Organizational – Quality performance – Flexibility • Work arrangements/assignments – Judgement – decision-making – Strategic skills/competencies • Aligned to organization’s objectives – Continuous improvement • Competencies and performance

Dual Responsibility for Career

• Organization - Primarily to fulfill the

organization’s

needs: – Succession planning / fast-track programs – Development centers – Information about career ladders/paths – Identify training needs and developmental needs and goals – Provide training/development opportunities – Provide information about career/job opportunities – Provide information about organization’s goals • Organization - Primarily to fulfill the

individual’s

needs: – Career Management System (online/intranet) – Self-study materials – Career planning workshops – Career counseling (component of performance management) – Mentoring programs – Provide feedback on performance

Dual Responsibility for Career

• Individual – Maintain Employability: – Free agent – Continuously improve P-J/P-E fit – Identify KSAs (competencies), interests, values – Identify & pursue developmental opportunities – Continuous learning/development – Seek out career paths – Set career goals and plans – Achieve career goals

Research confirms:

Individuals that take control fare better in the employment stakes

The Job Market

What’s happening out there?

• Ascendency of the external labour market – Buy versus Build • Pay the person, not the job • Globilization – economies, job markets • Increased Mobility • Transitions the norm • Employability • “70” is the new “65” – squeeze at the top • Under-employment, over-qualification – Levels of education exceeding market requirements

End Note

“The career is dead. Long live the career.”