Exploring the Attainment of Career Success

Abstract

This study examined the role of the organisation as well as the role of the employee in the attainment of career success for senior management employees. Participants were a purposive sample of 24 senior management employees from two international financial organisations in South Africa (of which 58,3% were English-speaking and 54,2% male). A qualitative research approach was followed and data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews with the participants. The verbatim transcriptions were analysed using content analysis. Findings indicate that organisations which provide challenges and opportunities advanced the careers of their employees. Employees who build good interpersonal relationships and deliver on promises are morely likely to be successful at their careers. Attaining career success is the mutual responsibility or partnership between the organisation and employees.

Keywords:

• career success
• career development
• role of organisation
• South African senior management
• employees
• employers
• qualitative