Career Decision Making Styles

Context and Disclaimer

This is the third entry in a series of blog posts delving into modern career psychology concepts. The goal is to present research in a way that is clear and accessible to both professionals and the general public. I hope the insights shared here will support you in your career and self-discovery journey. Please remember, this content is intended for educational purposes and is not personalised advice. If you require individual guidance, please reach out to a career development practitioner, counsellor, or psychologist.

Introduction

If you've ever played a board game with friends or family, you know how varied people's approaches can be. You might sometimes feel frustrated with the player who takes forever to decide on their next move. Meanwhile, your highly analytical friend might get annoyed with another friend who can't stay focused and listen to the game's rules. Some friends prefer to learn as they go, others change their minds at the last minute when they believe they can win the game. Board games are an excellent way to understand what psychologists refer to as decision making styles. These decision-making styles transcend board games and often influence how we approach important obstacles in life, such as a career choice or career transitions. This article takes a deep dive into just that: The cluster of career decision making styles that makes up one's career decision profile.

Researchers have found many different decision-making styles and have found different results on how exactly to group these. For the purpose of self-reflection, I have decided to take the broadest approach an 11-factor model. Below you can find a brief description of each decision-making style:

1. Information gathering: How much information do you require before arriving at a decision? Some people can decide with incomplete information, while others need to know everything before they can make a choice.

2. Information processing: Do you take a holistic view of your choices preferring to understand the broad concepts, or do you prefer to look at each component separately, making sure you pay attention to detail?

3. Locus of control: Do you believe you are in control of your career, or do you believe your career success is mostly determined by luck?

4. Effort: Do you stop your job search when it gets tough, or do you persist despite the challenges?

5. Procrastination: Do you avoid making a career decision, or are you someone that decides long beforehand what they want to do?

6. Speed of making the final decision: Do you often take a long time to make a choice, or are you someone who does it impulsively?

7. Consulting with others: Are you someone who prefers to independently decide on your career, or do you ask for help?

8. Dependence on others: Do you take responsibility for your career choice, or do you expect others to tell you what career to choose?

9. Desire to please: Have you made a choice that best reflects your own needs, or does your choice reflect the needs and expectations of others?

10. Aspiration for an ideal occupation: Do you aim for a career that is flawless in every way, or are you comfortable with certain aspects being less than ideal?

11. Willingness to compromise: The willingness to be flexible and consider alternatives when your first option is not available.

    
    

Application

It's crucial to understand that no decision-making style is inherently incorrect. Each style offers its own advantages and disadvantages based on cultural and situational contexts.

For example, if you are someone who has a partner and children, then making a decision with the desire to please others may show respect and consideration for your family members rather than dependence on them. However, this interpretation may be different for a young adult who does not provide for others. Similarly, if you are someone who prefers to take abroad overview when making a career choice, you can be more strategic than someone who prefers to focus on the detail. However, a detail-oriented person will be better equipped at actualising the desired career and ensuring everything is in place. Finally, procrastination may not be all bad- it gives you time to make a more considered career choice and often leads to more creative solutions as opposed to a premature one.

So... how then do you use the information above? The most effective approach involves being curious instead of judgmental. This means considering causes and effects and exploring alternatives to your usual way of thinking. Below is a point-by-point guide:

• What decision making styles above do you most employ when considering your career choices?

• In general, what has been the effect of these decision-making styles on your life? Can you consider both positive and negative outcomes to these decision-making styles?

• Which career decision-making styles do not resonate with you at all?

• Can you think of any benefits in using any of the alternative approaches to career decision making?

Conclusion

The aim of this post is to encourage self-awareness. While no single thinking style is universally right, each has its own pros and cons, and some may be more suitable than others depending on cultural and contextual factors. Therefore, approach the information provided with curiosity and a light heart, using it as a means for self-exploration rather than a call for change.

References

Gati, I., Landman, S., Davidovitch, S., Asulin-Peretz, L., & Gadassi, R. (2010). From career decision-making styles to career decision-making profiles: A multidimensional approach. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 76(2), 277-291.

Mau, W. C. (2000). Cultural differences in career decision-making styles and self-efficacy. Journal of vocational behavior, 57(3), 365-378.

Bimrose, J., & Barnes, S. A. (2007). Styles of career decision-making. Australian Journal of Career Development, 16(2), 20-28.