Career Development Theory - Team A (Felix, Chanel, Julie)

1. Land Acknowledgement

2. Career Development Theory
INTRODUCTION
“Career Development theory has focused on human
lifespan, traits, vocational choice, assessment tools,
values, and self-understanding to guide adults in their
career decisions (Conlon, 2004, p.779).
Key Ideals:
The traditional base for individual career development
theories were narrow and did not take into account
broader contextual influences (McMahon et al., 1995).
The majority of the established career theories either
have their foundation based in or are strongly
influenced by the positivist worldview (Chen, 2003).
(“Career development model”, n.d.)
Career Development Theory from a Social Context
Perspective:
In the social context, career development is influenced by
how an individual interacts or forms when they receive
input. In the figure shown previously, individuals are
reflected by: Geographical location, peers, political
decisions, health, gender, self-concept, etc. (McMahon et
al., 1995).
OUTCOMES
The outcomes of Career Development Theory and Career
Development in regard to individuals extend beyond money,
job security, and benefits. A career influences what people
can become and contribute, as well as who they influence in
the pursuit of their profession (Ceric, 2018).
The outcomes of Career Development theory in regard to
the workplace aids in the development of programs that are
then implemented by companies and employers to ensure
and provide equal opportunity employment to employees, as
well as improving the quality of work-life, increasing skill,
reducing attrition (individuals who plan to leave), improving
time management, and overall organization (Abinaya,
2021).
CONCLUSION
Career development theory is the entwinement of
psychological, sociological, educational, physical,
economic, and chance factors which determines the suitable
career path for the individual. It is further utilized in other
contexts outside of school, such as within psychology and
related disciplines. Furthermore, this theory can aid within
the workplace to develop programs which can aid in
promoting equal opportunities, as well as improve quality of
life and enhance overall technical skills.
APPLICATION
Relationship between Systems Theory and Career
Development Theory:
Career development is a very complex theory that
requires other theories to support it. In the 1982
National Vocational Guidance Association definition of
career development, which reflects the perspective of
systems theory: “Career development is the total
constellation of psychological, sociological,
educational, physical, economic, and chance factors
that combine to shape the career of an individual over
the life span” (Sears, 1982, p.139; McMahon, 1995).
Thus, this theory is centered around the individual’s
needs/values, actions, future, and options as shown in
figure that follows:
(McMahon, 1995)

3. References
Abinaya. (2021). Importance of Career Development. Open Education Portal. https://www.openeducationportal.com/importance-of-career-development/
“Career development model” [Online image]. (n.d.). Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/601371356488679929/
Ceric. (2018). Why career development matters. (2018, May 1). https://ceric.ca/why-career-development-matters/
Chen, P. C. (2011). Integrating perspectives in career development theory and practice. The Career Development Quarterly, 51(3), 203-216
https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-0045.2003.tb00602.x
Conlon, T. (2004). Career development challenges for the 21st century workplace: A review of the literature. University of Minnesota, 30(2), 779-786.
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED492367.pdf
Gabostyle. (2022). Tailor Scissoring Fabric. [Photograph]. Bing Images. tailor - Bing images
McMahon. M, & Patton. W. (1995). Development of a systems theory of career development: A brief overview. Australian Journal of Career Development.
4(2), 15-20. https://doi.org/10.1177/103841629500400207
McMahon. M, & Patton. W. (1995). Systems theory framework of career development [Online image]. Australian Journal of Career Development Theory.
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Development-of-a-Systems-Theory-of-Career-McMahon-
Patton/a3a616b6ed276271ece16879a63d555bcc88e57b