Some remarks on Gati's theory of career decision-making models.

Abstract

Gati's (1986) theory of models of career decision making is discussed in reference to Taylor's (1985) theory of evaluation modes. It is suggested that there exist at least 3 basic orientations for making career decisions: optimalizing, guesting and instant choice. It is argued that these orientations do not simply represent alternative algorithms for acquiring and processing information related to career decisions, a la Gati, but instead speak to the phenomenologically moral nature of the career decision-making situation in a way that Gati's models do not. Implications for career counseling are discussed.Prior to Gati's (1986) foray into the issue of justification for various models of career decision making, most theorists 502 This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.This article is intended solely for the personal use of the individual user and is not to be disseminated broadly.

Annual Review: Practice and Research in Career Counseling and Development, 1990

“…For example, the books on career counseling approaches described a t the beginning of the review deserve to be savored for the rich ideas they contain. Other literature had theoretical and research importance but did not fit into my focus, for example, several articles on Gati's career decision-making models (Carson & Mowsesian, 1990;Gati, 1990aGati, , 1990b, and a stimulating book describing and illustrating methodological approaches to studying careers (Young & Borgen, 1990). Other interesting articles were left on the cutting floor during final revision, because of the shape my prose eventually took (e.g., Herr, 1990;Kalimo & Vuori, 1990).…”

Internships in SMEs and career intentions

“…The market barrier explanation for the low uptake of SME employment is based on rational career decision-making. However, early career decision-making models have been criticised for assuming an over reliance on rationality and agency (Carson and Mowsesian 1990). According to Hodkinson and Sparkes (1997), there is strong adherence to the concept of economic rationalism within educational policy-making circles, i.e.…”

Processes involved in career preferences and compromises.

“…These data not only replicated the findings regarding the positive correlation between extremity and importance but also permitted observation of the hypothesized negative correlation between importance and compromise. Further research combining theoretical analysis of the characteristics of the career decision-making process (e.g., Carson & Mowsesian, 1990;Gati, 1986Gati, , 1990aGati, , 1990cHesketh et al, 1990) with experimental studies such as Study 2, as well as analysis of unobtrusive observations as conducted in Study 1 (see also Gati & Tikotzki, 1989), may deepen our understanding of the processes involved in career decisions. In addition, a replication of the present findings with different groups of individuals and different methods is a necessary step in future research.…”