Development of a Systems Theory of Career Development

1995 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary McMahon ◽  
Wendy Patton
Keyword(s):  
Career Development ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Development Theory ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Extant Literature ◽  
Recent Debate ◽  
Theory Framework

Through consideration of the recent debate over the issue of convergence in career development theory and using their own research, the authors have developed a systems theory framework of career development. This paper locates the systems theory framework within the extant literature of both the fields of career development and counselling, and attempts to illustrate how a systems theory approach can address current criticisms of career development theory and add to and complement this literature. The influences and processes illustrated in the systems theory framework are also described.

Development of a Brief Measure of Career Development Influences Based on the Systems Theory Framework

2007 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 19-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Bridgstock
Keyword(s):  
Career Development ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Quantitative Measure ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Initial Development ◽  
Theory Framework

This paper documents the initial development and validation of a brief quantitative measure of career development influences based on the Systems Theory Framework (STF) of career development (McMahon & Patton, 1995; Patton & McMahon, 1997, 1999, 2006). Initial exploratory factor analyses of pilot study data revealed a six-factor structure based on 20 of the 28 influences. A subsequent confirmatory factor analysis procedure using structural equation model (SEM) revealed a fundamentally stable factor structure across the two different populations tested, although some further modifications were made to the scale. The final 19-item scale identified five correlated factors, of which three were within the framework's individual system, one was within the social system, and one was within the environmental-societal system. In the final section of the paper, the theoretical implications of this factorial structure and the importance of the influence of world of work knowledge factor are addressed. The utility of the career development influences scale as a brief measure to contextualise more targeted measures in large-scale quantitative career development studies is discussed.

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