Organisational Career Development Programs and Practices

Employee career development programs are identified as a recently emerging human resource management process in Australia. A body of career theory predominantly from the United States informs the field but research indicates a gap between theory, organisational rhetoric and practice. An overview of career development practices in selected Australian organisations points to the recency of such programs. The research identifies a number of key factors related to successful program implementation and reveals the significant diversity of career planning and career management activities being undertaken across a wide spectrum of organisations.

This article focuses on the history of organisational career development programs and investigates the current state of practice in selected Australian organisations. The range of activities that can be categorised as career planning and career management initiatives is described, and factors related to successful program implementation are suggested. People involved in planning and managing careers in organisations should clarify their expectations of career development practices and recognise the benefits for both individuals and organisations in the context of increasing economic uncertainty and continuing social change.