Incorporation of Chance Into Career Development Theory and Research

Abstract

In a climate in which career transitions are increasingly common, chance events may have a greater influence on career development. This article is a review of how well the current theory and research can account for the interaction between chance events and career development. Chance events are characterized as being unpredictable and unplanned to the person who experiences them. However, existing research and theory have largely failed to consider these unique qualities of chance events. Theories based on learning principles such as happenstance learning theory (Krumboltz, 1996, 2009), social cognitive career theory, and cognitive information processing theory of career development provide a framework for understanding the processes that occur when people are affected by or respond to events that are predictable or unplanned. This review considers this potential and concludes with suggestions for possible avenues for future research.

Valuing complex and diverse career pathways: the career trajectories and career-related choices of early career practitioners

“…Notwithstanding challenges associated with appropriate terminology, definitions (Rice 2014) and appropriate methodologies (Cabral & Salomone 2009;and Chen 2005), the broad careers literature generally supports this study's findings regarding the influence of chance events and personal agency, and the changes that occur at the intersections between these two influences (Blanco & Golik 2015). There is also acknowledgement that chance events can have both positive and negative impacts on career trajectories (Grimland et al 2012), although participants in the current study associated chance events with primarily positive outcomes.…”

“…Rice (2014) notes that traditional theories fail to consider the possible influence of chance, instead maintaining that individuals actively choose elements of their career trajectories. A small number of empirical studies suggest that chance events, described as "unpredictable and unplanned to the person who experiences them" (Rice 2014, p.445), play a significant role in individuals' career trajectories 11 .…”

“…Given that such research suggests specific ways in which chance events influence individuals' career trajectories, some of the theoretical literature advocates the incorporation of chance events into career theory. Rice (2014), for example, argues in favour of the use of theories based on the aforementioned 'deliberation' dialect (see Table 2.1) to account for chance events. In more practical terms, authors such as Chen (2005, pp.258-259) consider strategies that might be used by careers counsellors to support their clients to take advantage of chance events, including "adopting an open stance" and "embracing change".…”

“…Examination of this influence is, however, gaining popularity (Hirschi 2010;and Pryor & Bright 2011), although review of the literature reveals several limitations associated with this subject matter, including a lack of consensus with regard to definitional issues, and appropriate descriptors and qualifying variables for analysis purposes. For example, there is a lack of consistency regarding terminology (Rice 2014), and many different terms are used to describe chance events, including 'happenstance', 'serendipity', 'unplanned events', and 'synchronicity' (see, for instance, Betsworth & Hansen 1996;Bright, Pryor & Harpham 2005;Guindon & Hanna 2002;Hirschi 2010;Krumboltz 1998;Miller 1983;and Williams et al 1998). There are also discrepancies in the literature concerning definitions (Rice 2014).…”

“…For example, there is a lack of consistency regarding terminology (Rice 2014), and many different terms are used to describe chance events, including 'happenstance', 'serendipity', 'unplanned events', and 'synchronicity' (see, for instance, Betsworth & Hansen 1996;Bright, Pryor & Harpham 2005;Guindon & Hanna 2002;Hirschi 2010;Krumboltz 1998;Miller 1983;and Williams et al 1998). There are also discrepancies in the literature concerning definitions (Rice 2014). Furthermore, authors highlight the complexity of this subject matter, and the difficulties associated with studying it.…”