Iop3703 Study Summary Notes

IOP3703 STUDY SUMMARY NOTES. This is a complete and an all-inclusive guide to IOP3703 - Career Psychology. Self-actualisation Self-actualisation is a process of inner-directedness through which the individuals give expression to their intrinsic nature It involves the tendency to enrich oneself by psychological growth and by seeing meaning in being It is a human drive to discover oneself and fulfil one’s potential, emphasising the whole of human life In the event where self-concept is not in harmony with the requirements of the job, the work loses meaning to the individual It stops having an intrinsic value to the individual – you have to perform the job to earn money or get something from organisation In the event where self-concepts are in harmony with the job activities, the individuals find intrinsic meaning or internal satisfaction in their work and feel a sense of being whole Openness can be associated with work that can facilitate selfactualisation, i.e. intrinsic satisfaction (example: in the form of flexible organisational climate that provides autonomy, challenge, personal growth) Intrinsic aspects of work and self-actualisation in work are becoming increasing NB 1 | P a g e Notes, summaries, possible exam questions Characteristic associated with Self-actualised people:-  Democratic orientation, autonomy, independence  Feeling of connectedness with others  Freshness of appreciation; feeling at ease with complexity and ambiguity  All these characteristics condensed to single quality – openness to experience Self-actualisation contributes to one’s sense of identity. Identity centres around questions such as:-  What do I want to make of myself?  What do I have to work with? It involves one’s self-concept and these self-concepts can find expression through Self-actualisation in work. Through work, people identify themselves to themselves and to others. They also see themselves as different from others. Self-concepts change over time as work structures change 2 | P a g e Notes, summaries, possible exam questions Spirituality at work The search for spiritual wholeness within the context of the workplace, involves the search to discover one’s true self, a higher life purpose & meaning through one’s work activities & life roles Spirituality represents the quest to unite one’s inner and outer world, to provide meaning and purpose to one’s life (i.e. the community environment which provides constant connection to one’s coworkers) Workplace spirituality is the recognition that employees have an inner life that nourishes and is nourished by meaningful work that takes place in the context of community Spirituality is the feeling individuals have about the fundamental meaning of who they are, what they are doing and the contributions they are making Spiritual journey is process of focusing within, gaining awareness of higher self & finding meaning & purpose in work & life The community environment is viewed as a place in which people can experience personal growth by being involved in meaningful work that gives a purpose to their life where they feel valued for themselves as individuals and have a sense of working together with others for a common purpose 3 | P a g e Notes, summaries, possible exam questions The search for meaning and purpose, and consequent realisation, provide an individual with a sense of alignment and order – a spiritual cohesiveness, which instils a sense of tightness & well-being Spiritual cohesiveness is a sense of wholeness, a oneness with who we are and an awareness of how we fit with our external environment Because work is a central part of peoples’ existence, much of this search for spiritual wholeness occurs within the context of work In the modern workplace many people are increasingly embarking upon a spiritual journey, seeking to discover their true selves through the search for a higher purpose that provides meaning to their lives Spirituality also represents the emerging values, priorities, and skills related to the meaning that work represents in peoples’ lives in the modern workplace Spirituality in the workplace means creating an environment of trust, respect, and ethics where diverse groups of individuals can do their best work. Spirituality at work will require the following from employees themselves, their co-workers and managers:-  Acting with integrity and authenticity  Treating people with respect  Encouraging a work / life balance  Connecting work to a larger sense of meaning & purpose  Creating a culture that embodies core values and ethical principles  Establishing decision making processes that include reflection on complex values at stake  Doing business in a socially responsible manner 4 | P a g e Notes, summaries, possible exam questions Competency Finding meaning & identity in work = career competency (that characterises the individual) Competencies of: knowing why + knowing whom (interpersonal relationships, organisational communication networks) + knowing how (involve acquiring skills and knowledge) = All contribute to the individual’s cumulative competencies These competencies serve purpose to equip a person to adapt to change & contribute to satisfy org. requirements Because of downsizing workers hired according to existing capabilities & subsequently training not offered by org, workers are less committed to org – these workers supplement the core workers Core workers are expected to be committed, but some who have the required skills are not committed to use it in org. and effective performance therefore fluctuates 5 | P a g e Notes, summaries, possible exam questions Fluctuations in utilizing competencies have 3 modes of career growth and development which are recurrent and episodic throughout the person’s career: