John Holland's Theory

John Holland believed that there are six basic personality types and one of those is dominant in each person.  He also believed that personality and career should match up in order for one to be happy and successful. 

The six types are:

Realistic:  Enjoys working with things more than people (woodworking, auto repair, outdoor work)

Investigative:  Searches for solutions to problems and prefers to work independently

Artistic:  Likes to be creative and expressive

Social:  Enjoys working with people, especially in helping others

Enterprising:  Likes working with people, but interested in acquiring wealth and influencing others

Conventional: Prefers to be conservative in work environment, likes to plan and organize, rules are important

There are also six work environments with the same names.  Work environments must coincide with the personality type in order for one to be happy or satisfied.

Differentiated individuals have 2-3 dominant types and clear interests. 

Undifferentiated individuals have interests that fall across many types and do not show a clear preference.  It may be more difficult to find an environment to fit the needs of this individual. 

Consistency refers to the relationship between type and environment

Congruence refers to the fit of the type and environment

For more information about John Holland's Theory please visit http://www.careerkey.org/choose-a-career/hollands-theory-of-career-choice.html#.VOFSKrlOVhE. 










 

Super's Career Development Theory

Super’s Life Span Theory makes assumptions that genetics and geography impact one’s career development.  His theory also assumes that psychological and economic factors play a large part in the development of self. 

Self-concept is how one views oneself and situation.  It is a reflection of one’s personality, needs, values, and interests.  Self-concept changes over time and develops as a result of life experiences.  Therefore, career development lasts a lifetime.

There are different roles that one plays in their life. 

• Child – As long as one parent is still living and one still has a relationship with that parent, one will still play this role.
• Student – Can be stronger at times, but most are continually learning new things.  Obviously this role is stronger when one is of normal school age and when one is enrolled in higher education courses.
• Leisurite – This is role that is played during the time that is spent on leisure activities in one’s life.  This is usually a stronger role in young children and those that have retired.
• Citizen – This is the time spent working within the community and would include volunteer work.
• Worker – This describes the role of working in a full-time job or career.
• Homemaker – This role describes those that come together to take on the responsibility of building a home financially and otherwise. 

Super developed the concept of vocational maturity.  There are various stages in Super’s theory, which are very critical.  During each life stage, one may experience all of the career development stages.

• Birth
• Growth – Occurs from birth to age 14.  This stage is when one begins to develop self-concept, curiosity interests, attitudes, and needs.
• Exploration – Occurs from ages 15-24.  This stage is when one begins to develop work choices, learns more about opportunities, and develops a realistic concept of self.
• Establishment – Occurs from ages 25-44.  This stage is when one begins to stabilize in their career.  During this stage, one may also explore the opportunity for advancement in their career.
• Maintenance – Occurs from ages 45-64.  During this stage, one is holding onto their current career, accepting limitations that exist.  Those near the end of this stage may be holding on until the next stage.
• Decline or Disengagement – Occurs from age 65 and over.  This stage is when one begins reducing work hours and preparing for retirement.  One may plan to do things there has been no time to do and find a good place to retire.

For more information about Super's Career Theory and to view a the Life-Career Rainbow, visit  http://career.iresearchnet.com/career-development/supers-career-development-theory.html.