Ch 10 John Holland’s Theory of Vocational Personalities and Work Environments

Basic Premise People can be categorized according to six personality types Each type consists of relatively distinct characteristics and traits, though there is overlap There are no pure types; each of us possesses characteristics from each type, though most of us resemble one type more than we resemble other types People choose careers which are consistent with their personality types Relationship between personality type and work environment influences job satisfaction, job performance, and job stability. This is referred to as congruence

Achieving Personality Fit Person-Job Fit Identifies six personality types and proposes that the fit between personality type and occupational environment determines satisfaction and turnover. Person-Organization Fit Argues that people leave organizations that are not compatible with their personalities

Holland’s Six Personalities TYPE ACTIVITIES OCCUPATION Realistic Working with things, I.e. tools and machines Farmer Carpenter Mechanical Engineer Investigative Working with information I.e. abstract ideas and theories Chemist Veterinarian Systems Analyst Artistic Creating things Painter Writer Social Helping people Social Worker Teacher’s Aide Enterprising Leading others Sales Representative Entrepreneur Conventional Organizing data Night Auditor Secretary

Realistic Characteristics Occupations Mechanical Aggressive Strong Opinionated Stubborn Occupations Mechanic Forester Carpenter Farmer Construction

Investigative Characteristics Occupations Analytical Independent Rational Curious Occupations Mathematician Chemist Biologist Meteorologist Physicist

Artistic Characteristics Occupations Independent Creative Nonconformist Abstract Idealistic Occupations Musician Artist Dancer Sculptor Actress

Social Characteristics Occupations Cooperative Patient Sociable Empathic Understanding Occupations Teacher Counselor Social Worker Psychologist Nurse

Enterprising Characteristics Occupations Assertive Aggressive Ambitious Confident Controlling Occupations Sales Politics Business Law

Conventional Characteristics Occupations Precise Organized Accountant Practical Careful Efficient Occupations Accountant Cashier Proofreader Statistician Secretary

Work and Recreation FACTORS IN VOCATIONAL DECISION MAKING Motivation and achievement Attitudes about occupations Abilities Interests Values Self-concept

Potential Steps in the Process of Deciding on a Career Begin by focusing on yourself Generate alternative solutions Gather and assess information Weigh and prioritize your alternatives Make the decision and formulate a plan Carry out the decision Get feedback

Balancing Work and Recreation Work alone does not generally lead to a rich existence Recreation involves creating ourselves anew and is a path to vitality Recreation requires the ability to let go and experience life The appropriate balance between work and recreation depends on the needs of the individual