This collection of original essays, written by experienced human resource professionals, is a major contribution to the maturing field of organizational career planning and development. Collectively, the contributors stress the need to integrate employee career interests with the current and anticipated personnel requirements of their employers, and they describe a variety of strategies and programs for accomplishing this objective. . . . Career development specialists, personnel managers, human resource planners, and students of the career development field will find this book to be of considerable interest.
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Since its rise to prominence nearly twenty years ago, the field of career planning and development has undergone significant change. From an emphasis on the individual's personal needs, the focus in recent years has shifted to a concern for the individual's needs in relation to an organization's current and future position. This collection of original essays reflects this new trend. Written by experienced human resources specialists, the essays present current issues and problems, together with effective programs and strategies for dealing with them. Divided into five parts, this book begins with a focus on career processes in early, middle, and late stages—such as newcomer commitment, exploring career alternatives, and career plateaus. The chapters go on to describe organizational strategies for career enhancement and corporate philosophies of employee development, as well as tools, techniques, and programs for individual employee self-assessment. Examples of work experiences are examined, highlighting opportunities and barriers for minorities and women, executive development, and the impact of job loss. A final chapter is devoted to the role of human resource professionals in career development for the future.