Question

1.   Briefly describe the environmental and organizational changes that have taken place over the past 25 years that have affected the nature of work and careers. In a broad sense, how have these changes forced an alteration in the way individuals manage their careers?

2.   Briefly describe the different ways for individuals to look at career success. How should (or could) organizations make accommodations or institute programs to recognize the different ways that individuals view career success?—explain your views.   

3.   Briefly describe the boundaryless and protean concepts of career management. Does one need to display inter-organizational mobility in order to be considered as having adopted the boundaryless or the protean perspective in his or her career management—why or why not? Reference the Kevin case in your answer. (pg 44-47 of the textbook)

4.   Why is self-exploration such an important component in the career management process? What types and sources of information might one use in conducting self-exploration? How did Michelle Terry use self-exploration in managing her career? (pg 96-98 in the textbook)

5.   Define the term career goal. Why is the establishment of a career goal or goals a critically important step in the career management model? Explain why Joe Francis did such a poor job in his career management. (pg 125-126 of the textbook)

6.   Define the term career indecision. What are the causes/sources of career indecision? Identify and briefly describe the subtypes of career indecision. Is being career undecided always unfavorable? (Reference the Kimberly case in your answer- pg 168-170 in the textbook).

Answer 1

1.

Over the past 25 years can be considered from the year 1995 till now. During this two and half decade, we have seen various different changes in external environment. This has also spurred changes in the organiation level.

The key environmental change has been technology during this time period. We have seen internet become mainstream from a niche product. This has given raise to various platform and operaitonal approaches that were taken online. This in turn changed the way companies and organizations function. The organizations have moved away from production focus to customer focus. They have also become more focused on customer service, employee engagment and social responsibility.

These changes have influenced work life and career. For example, the ideas of ethics have become important in workplace now than it was 25 years ago. Consider the example of any career. Basic computer management skill is expected out of everyone. This was not the case 25 years ago. Thus we can see that the cultural changes within organizaitons have been made to adapt to the external environment.