Accomplishing career development tasks: are there gender‐related differences?

Abstract

Discusses issues associated with the achievement of career development tasks by women. The career development tasks considered from studies of adult developmental psychology, and are therefore concerned with underlying processes, not specific activities in organizations. Based on a study of the career development and aspirations of 50 women, it considers whether the successful achievement of such tasks is non‐gender specific, and whether models derived from the study of the experience of men are relevant. Also considers the relationship to motherhood of career commitment and ambitions as important aspects of how women achieve career development. Concludes that not only do biology and socialization play a part in women’s approach to careers but also that the quality of the vision or “dream” about their future that women create for themselves is important. Points out that much more research is required in this field.