The relation between career anchors, occupational types and job satisfaction of midcareer employees

Abstract

The study was designed to provide further empirical data on the career anchor construct. An

individual in todays times is likely to make more than one career choice. If the career anchor construct can be used to accurately predict a person environment fit, the construct could prove useful as a diagnostic tool for midcareer individuals.

In the study, 300 midcareer employees (managerial and non-managerial) completed questionnaires etermining their dominant career anchor, domi.nant perception of occupational type and levels of general, intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction. Specific aims of the study were, firstly, to determine whether in midcareer there is a relation between career anchor and occupational type (For the purposes of the study, occupational type was measured in terms of the individuals perception of the main aspect that dominates his occupation) and secondly, to determine whether there is a difference in general, intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction between midcareer employees with a fit between career anchor and occupational type and midcareer employees with no such fit. Results of the study indicated a significant relation between career anchor and occupational type for the total sample as well as for the managerial and the non-managerial groups, for almost all of the eight career anchors. A significantly higher level of general and intrinsic job satisfaction was found for the fit group than for the non-fit group, however no such difference was found in extrinsic job satisfaction. No significant differences were found between the managerial and non­ managerial groups.

On the basis of the results the conclusion can be made that the career anchor construct can be used effectively to assist midcareer managers and non-managers to make career choices. Career choices based on a fit between career anchor and occupational type are likely to yield a higher level ofeneral and intrinsic job satisfaction.