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ABSTRACT
Evidence suggests that occupational prototypes have an impact on career decisions yet literature provides only a limited understanding of the nature of these prototypes. This paper presents a small-scale grounded theory study to explore the prototypes of four occupations. Data were collected from 24 psychology undergraduates through four focus groups. Participants were asked to evoke a typical member of each of four occupational groups and describe their prototype in detail. A classic grounded theory analysis identified the characteristics which were symbolised by the features of the prototypes and resulted in eight dimensions: warm, energetic, fun, intelligent, conventional, highbrow, successful and cool. The discussion explores the dimensions in the light of existing literature and suggestions are offered for practice.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Correction Statement
This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.
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Notes on contributors
Julia Yates
Julia Yates is a senior lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the City, University of London (UK), where she teachers on their MSc in Organisational Psychology. Her research interests are in career and occupational identities, the role of appearance and attractiveness in career, and in the integration of coaching and careers.
Sharon Cahill
Sharon Cahill is the Head of Psychological Sciences, School of Psychology, University of East London (UK) and is the lead for Athena Swan in the School. She is the Deputy Editor of Educational Psychology Research and Practice and teaches on the BSc Clinical and Community Psychology Programme. Her research interests include emotion and gender, women and the body, and women and work.