Abstract
This chapter aims to compare the old-generation school managers with the new-generation school managers in terms of career adaptability. The study, conducted interviewing 28 school managers, uses qualitative method. Maximum variation sampling was employed in forming the study group. It was found that the former managers felt that they were more suitable to be managers than the present ones. Both the former and the present managers held the view that appointment was not made on the basis of personal merit. It is recommended that the process of manager appointment should be re-structured as a career system which is based on a criteria set.
TopCareer Adaptability
The concept of career adaptability describes the conscious and continuous exploration of both the self and the environment, where the eventual aim is to achieve synergy between the individual, their identity and an occupational environment. Career adaptability, which is one of the important concepts of working psychology, is the power to cope with unexpected changes individuals encounter while preparing for an occupational role or when they are about to take on the role stemming from the job itself or from work conditions (Super & Knasel, 1981). Career adaptability means coping with existing and predicted tasks of occupational activities. Adaptable individuals are also psychosocially prepared to cope with unpredictable tasks, occupational roles and personal traumas (Savickas, 1997). They tend to change their personal factors when necessary in order to respond to knowledge, skill, talent and behavioral demands of the changes in position, work applications or work environment (Ashford & Taylor, 1990). The concept of career adaptability can also be defined as the ability to switch to the new processes successfully in the event that individuals, labor markets, organizations and occupational knowledge are exposed to significant changes (Bimrose, et al., 2011).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Change: Any type of difference that can occur in vocational life of a person.
Career Development: The lifelong process of managing one’s work experience.
Uncertainty: A situation that is not known or the feeling of not being sure what will happen in the future.
Career: The work-related experiences undertaken for a significant period of a person's life with opportunities for progress.
School Administrator: School managers who direct the day-to-day functions of schools at every level.
Career Adaptability: The ability to successfully adapt to changes in the work environment.
School: Educational organizations managed by public entities.