Content area
Abstract
This study implemented a career intervention aimed at training people about the competencies required to have a protean career orientation. Using the theoretical foundations of the protean career, two training sessions were developed reflecting the self-directed and values-driven dimensions of the theory. The differential effectiveness of training in one, both, or none of these sessions was explored for a number of career-related outcomes. Two studies were conducted using employed MBA students. Study 1, using a sample of 444 participants, developed and validated the 5-item Career Values Awareness Scale (Unite, 2012) that determines the extent to which individuals are aware of their career values. Evidence suggests that career-values awareness is situated within the protean career context and particularly in that of the values-driven dimension. Evidence also suggests that higher career-values awareness supports positive relationships between a protean orientation and career self-efficacy. Similar results were also found for career planning. Using a sample of 180 participants, Study 2 found that training using reflection, experiential learning, and discrepancy identification can improve career decision-making self-efficacy, adaptability, career-values awareness, and career planning. More specifically, training related to career values improves career decision-making self-efficacy and adaptability; training related to the skills component of the protean career improves career-values awareness. Future research ideas on the synergistic nature of the self-directed and values-driven dimensions of the protean career are provided in light of these results, together with suggestions for improving the effectiveness of training such as this study implemented.