People in transition

About this book

The present research examines the effects of multiple developmental relationships on early career choice and change. This study develops a theoretical framework for understanding how social influence factors affect the decision to change careers. Hypotheses are tested with survey and archival data on a sample of Master's of Business Administration (MBA) students who are making decisions for their careers following graduate school. Results show that beyond individual-level factors such as education and work history, individuals' decisions are strongly related to the advice they receive from others. Specifically, the decision to change careers is related to the composition, quality, and content of help the decision-maker receives from a set or "portfolio" of career advisors. By examining the social context of career decision-making, the present research moves beyond dispositional approaches to a more "relational" approach to careers and organizational research.