An empirical assessment of Sonnenfeld’s career systems typology

Abstract

Sonnenfeld’s career systems typology is recognized as a prominent model in career theory and is widely cited in the career literature. However, this theoretical model has never been tested empirically, thus raising a concern for both theorists and practitioners. This paper reports the results of an empirical study conducted to test the model by surveying 194 British firms. The findings support the strength of one dimension. Supply flow, in terms of reliability and validity, but less so for the other dimension, assignment flow. Comparisons showed that some, though not all of the characteristics from the typology existed in practice. Implications for practice and for future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• Career systems
• career management
• empirical
• strategic human resource management
• typology