Gender differences in Holland’s circular/circumplex interest structure as measured by the South African Career Interest Inventory

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the structural validity of Holland’s circular/circumplex model across men and women in South Africa and compare mean score differences in the people–things and data–ideas dimensions underlying the circular/circumplex model. The validity of Holland’s model was examined on a sample of 500 men and 500 women. The randomization test of hypothesized order relations, salience ratios, and t-tests were used to examine the structural validity and mean score differences. The randomization test found good fit to a tight circular ordering model for men and women and indicated that the fit was similar across gender. The salience ratios indicated that both dimensions were equally salient for men and women. Finally, t-tests found statistically significant and meaningful differences on the people–things and data–ideas dimensions. As a whole, the results suggest that Holland’s circular/circumplex model is valid across gender and therefore that Holland’s model is tenable in South Africa. Recommendations for research and practice are presented.

Keywords

Circular circumplex data–ideas gender Holland people–things

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