Discussion

Career Development is a critical HRD function and will be addressed in the Unit 9 Discussion Topics.

Topic 1: Career Development

Chapter 12 starts with a definition of career on page 405, suggesting the career definition of Greenhaus et al. (2018), "a pattern of work-related experiences that span the course of one's life." This definition of career refines the stereotypical idea of a career as being stable, predictable, and an organizationally driven sequence of vertical moves. It highlights a career as being portable involving both objective events and subjective perspectives on work such as attitudes and values. It emphasizes the importance of the individual, organization, and environment on individual work life.

The text (page 407) presents career development as a continuum of career planning (individual action) to career management (organizational action).

Windows into career development are given by reviewing stages of life and stages of career development (page 407) with Erickson's model of adult development and Levin's eras of adult development (life stages) on page 408. On Table 12.2, stages of career development are presented. Both life stages and career stages can be helpful in career development. They provide a fertile foundation for career development. As organizations and individuals understand the issues presented in both life stages and career stages, there will be better understanding and action for career development, both planning (individual) and management (organization).

Chapter 12 concludes with a discussion on issues in career development: career motivation, career plateaus, career development for nonexempt workers, and career development without advancement.

• Select the topic of the four topics mentioned above that is most personally applicable.
• Describe what it looks like for you, and describe a constructive plan to address the issue.