1. Minnesota Theory of Work Adjustment
Super’s Theory
Holland’s Theory
Minnesota Theory of Work Adjustment
Hershenson’s Model of Work Adjustment
Gottfredson’s Theory
Organizational Theories
Traditional Theories
Alternative Theories
Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

2. Cathy Chambless, Utah State University
Changes in work
Globalization
Increased competition and economic pressures worldwide
Technological innovations
Sociopolitical factors – changes what government does
Homeland Security, immigration, War on Terror
Shifts due to mergers and downsizing
Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

3. Cathy Chambless, Utah State University
New demands on workers
Greater adaptability demanded
Ability to work with computers
Ability to work in groups
Commitment to life long learning
Change jobs and careers several times in a worker’s lifetime.
Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

4. Vocational behavior and career development theories
Career development theory focuses on targets for intervention, while career counseling theory focuses on the intervention itself.
Major theories are foundation for current instruments and software programs
Theories need to be viewed critically for how they do or do not account for characteristics of people with disabilities.
Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

5. Cathy Chambless, Utah State University
Super’s Career Theory
Life roles
Child
Student
Leisurite
Citizen
Worker
homemaker
Life stages
Growth (birth to 14)
Exploration (15-24)
Establishment (25-44)
Maintenance (45-64)
Decline (65+)
Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

6. Holland’s trait factor theory
Person-environment fit
Matching individual and environmental characteristics
Work environments - 6 categories
Realistic Social
Investigative Enterprising
Artistic Conventional
Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

7. Minnesota Theory of Work Adjustment
Each individual has unique set of traits
Occupations require specific characteristics
Matching is possible; assumes traits can be measured
Closer the match the better likelihood of success.
Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

8. Concerns for people with disabilities
Focus on traits does not consider AT or job modifications
Impact of early experiences on career development
Supported employment uses trait factor theory
Identifies consumer traits
Conducts job analysis
Performs matching
Difference is: consider supports to individual or changes to environment
Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

9. Hershenson’s model of work adjustment
Person and environment
Work personality (Self concept, motivation for work, work values)
Work competency (Habits, skills, work related interpersonal skills)
Work goals
3 domains interact with each other and with environment and this comprises Work Adjustment
Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

10. Cathy Chambless, Utah State University
Gottfredson’s Theory
“Circumscription, compromise and self creation”
Addresses narrowing of aspiration and compromising to meet external realities.
“Cognitive map” of occupations
Images people hold of acceptable occupations
People initially only consider those within their map
Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

11. Organizational career theories
Effort to link individual’s career needs with needs of organization
Company’s commitment to employee extends only to current need for skills
Individual and organizational flexibility & planning are key to future survival/success
“Free agent” model - persons manage their careers across many orgs over time & accumulate skills & experience
Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

12. Traditional career counseling theories
Parsons (1909) model uses 3 part approach
1. Assessing person’s characteristics, 2. available occupations then 3. matching based on logic
Others have included additional factors
Person-centered - recognizing feelings (Nathan & Hill
Person’s cognitive understanding (Yost & Corbishley)
Develop client independence and responsibility (Salomone)
Irrational beliefs (Spokane)
All are based on 3 part model
Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

13. Alternative career counseling theories
Major models of career counseling are based on white, male norms
Different identity development of women and minorities
Culture affects career develop and decisions
Impact of bias and discrimination
Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

14. Cathy Chambless, Utah State University
Fouad and Bingham
Considers various racial, ethnic, cultural worldviews; identity formation and acculturation; and interaction between worldview and environment
Focus is on development and implementation rather than assessment and choice
May include group interventions, involve family and community
Cathy Chambless, Utah State University

15. Other alternative approaches to career counseling
Narrative approach – seeks to identify gaps, problems in person’s “life script” – based on constructionist perspective (Cochran)
Group career counseling for career exploration (Pope)
Use of visual imagery, locally relevant occupational info, teach career decision making and job interview skills
Cathy Chambless, Utah State University