Career Stages in Australian Professional Women: A Test of Super's Model

Abstract This study empirically tested Super's career stage theory by examining whether differences in Australian professional women's attitudes toward work vary across the career life cycle. A number of career stage research criticisms relating to sample type, recycling issues, and career stage measurement were addressed. Hypotheses were tested via trend analyses providing support for the theoretical propositions in Super's career stage model. Results show that satisfaction with pay and job involvement were lowest in the exploration stage, women in the establishment stage were significantly more satisfied with pay and less willing to relocate for promotion compared to women in the exploration stage, while women in the maintenance stage were more committed to their profession and more involved in their careers than women in establishment and exploration stages. The research findings suggest that Super's career stage model is a useful framework for understanding women's career development.

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