Challenges for the boundaryless career odyssey |
| |
| Authors: | Judith Pringle Mary Mallon |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Management and Employment Relations, Private Bag 92019, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (tel: +64 9 373 7599 ext. 87282 7282;2. fax: +64 9 373 7477;3. e-mail: j.pringle@auckland.ac.nz).;4. Department of Human Resource Management, Private Bag, 11 222, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand (tel: +64 6 350 5799 ext. 2220;5. fax: +64 6 350 5796;6. e-mail: M.Mallon@massey.ac.nz). |
| |
| Abstract: | The boundaryless career, which challenges the assumptions of the traditional hierarchical career, has proved to be a remarkably popular and influential concept. However, we argue that it remains theoretically and empirically undeveloped, which limits its explanatory potential. We draw on some New Zealand empirical research highlighting the issue of who gets studied. Focusing on women's career experience, local ethnic groups and collective cultures we argue that these experiences represent a challenge to boundaryless career theory. Some of the theoretical assumptions on which boundaryless careers have been built are also interrogated: freedom from boundaries, individual volition and minimal influences from societal structures. We conclude that the boundaryless career story/odyssey is in danger of becoming a narrow career theory applicable only to the minority, if there is no engagement with theoretical and empirical critiques. |
| |
| Keywords: | Boundaryless careers New Zealand women collective cultures |
|
|
