Careerism

Cultural Environment and Careerism
– Cultural factors influence how careerists view their occupational goals.
– An individual’s interpretation of the term career can distinguish between extreme careerists and those who can separate their career from their personal life.
– Schein identifies three important aspects of cultural environments and careerism:
– How culture influences the concept of careerism.
– How culture influences the importance of a career relative to personal and family matters.
– How culture influences the bases of marginal careers.
– In the past, career was associated with status and long-term job opportunities.
– The United States has shifted towards valuing education and career advancement, but family life is also important.

Commitment and Priorities
– Individuals must commit to their occupational setting, family setting, and personal setting.
– Careerists must determine the most important factor in their lives.
– Some organizations prioritize work-mode at all times, while others prioritize family time.
– In the United States, the push for education has influenced the importance of careerism.
– Family matters and career matters are becoming more intertwined.

Success and Measurement
– Extreme careerists measure success through praise and material possessions.
– Personal success is highly valued in the United States, leading ambitious individuals to gain power in organizations.
– Cultures exert pressure and determine what career motives are acceptable.
– In the Soviet government, careerism played a role in the 1930s.
– Success in careerism is often recognized through acknowledgements and achievements.

Related Concepts
– Academic careerism
– Neglect
– Negligence
– Professional societies
– Professional conduct

Sources and References
– Chiaburu, Dan S.; Muñoz, Gonzalo J.; Gardner, Richard G. (2013). How to Spot a Careerist Early On: Psychopathy and Exchange Ideology as Predictors of Careerism.
– Griffin, Ricky W. (2004). Dark side of organizational behavior.
– Schein, Edgar H. (1984). Culture as an Environmental Context for Careers.
– Furnham, Adrian (2008). Personality and Intelligence at Work.
– Buchanan, Robert; Kim, Kong-Hee; Basham, Randall (2007). Career orientations of business masters students as compared to social work students: Further inquiry into the value of graduate education. Source:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Careerism