Orientation: The role of the career change experience has been investigated in this research.\r\nUnderstanding career change will assist with organisational interventions for the support and\r\nretention of employees.\r\nResearch purpose: The study explores the factors that influence career change amongst a\r\nsample of distance learners.\r\nMotivation for the study: Distance learning is becoming popular in South Africa as individuals\r\ncan work and learn simultaneously. Some people use distance learning to facilitate career\r\nchange.\r\nResearch design, approach and method: A narrative and storytelling inquiry was used. Data\r\nwas obtained through unstructured interviews by purposive sampling.\r\nMain findings: Sources of career change included personal growth and ambition, and\r\nstructural changes in relation to current work. The career change experience was found\r\nthrough participants� stories and narratives to influence individual well-being. Finally,\r\ndistance learning was favoured as a vehicle for career change for its flexibility and low cost.\r\nPractical/managerial implications: Organisations will benefit from an understanding of\r\nemployee career change experiences as identified in this study. Arising from this, support and\r\nretention interventions can be put in place.\r\nContribution/value-add: The research study shifts attention to career change as part of the\r\ncareer decision-making process. This focus is an emerging area of inquiry in the careers\r\nliterature. This adds to the body of knowledge by identifying, in a South African context, the\r\nfactors influencing career change and the impact of this on the individual. Interventions for\r\nindividuals and organisations are suggested.
Loading....