Implementation and Evaluation of Adult Career Development Programs in Organizations

During the past decade increasing attention has been focused on career development programs for adults. Many factors are cited as having influenced this trend. Some of these are: a more mobile society; a rapidly changing environment; increased technological advancements; greater complexity in jobs; EEO legislation and affirmative action pressures; changing values (more interest in self-fulfillment and a better quality of life); an older, more mature labor force; rising educational levels and aspirations as a result of the change from an industrial t.o a knowledge-based society; and, reduced economic growth and advancement opportunities. This increased interest in adult career development has resulted in the establishment of many types of special services and programs in a variety of settings including educational institutions, governmental agencies, and private organizations (Gerstein, 1982). Researchers have consequently directed more attention to the career development process and its interrelationship with career growth (Gutteridge & Otte, 1983