How uncertainty affects career behaviour: A narrative approach

Abstract

Despite increased uncertainty in the environment, the role of uncertainty in people’s careers is poorly understood. Those few theories that account for uncertainty portray it as a negative influence on people’s career and should therefore be reduced or avoided. This article presents an empirical study that investigated the impact of uncertainty on people’s career behaviour using a narrative approach. The findings reveal that people have different understandings of career uncertainty, which leads to distinct differences in subsequent career behaviour. Specifically, we identified four qualitatively different meanings of career uncertainty we have called Stabiliser, Glider, Energiser and Adventurer. The findings add to the existing literature by showing how each meaning of career uncertainty affects career decision making, criteria to gauge career success and meaning, and negotiating transitions. This significantly broadens current conceptualisation of career uncertainty and its impact on career behaviour than existing literature. JEL Classification: M10, M50, L10