Compromise in career decision making: A test of Gottfredson's theory

摘要

The present study tested Gottfredson's revised theory of circumscription and compromise. Consistent with the theory, it was predicted that individuals engaging in a low degree of compromise would place greatest importance on interests followed by prestige, and then sex-type. In a moderate degree of compromise situation, it was expected that individuals would place greatest importance on prestige followed by interests, and then sex-type. For individuals engaging in a high degree of compromise, sex-type was hypothesized to be most important followed by prestige, and then interests. Using a heterogeneous sample of 119 university students, partial support for Gottfredson's (1996) revised theory was found. Participants engaging in a low degree of career compromise placed greatest importance on interests, followed by prestige, and then sex-type. However, within the moderate and high compromise conditions, there were no significant differences between prestige and sex-type, although both were significantly greater than interests. It was concluded that more research investigating these changes is needed.