The diploma thesis deals with the psychological context of career counselling and education in adolescence. Today, only a minimal amount of research interest in the Czech Republic is devoted to career counselling and education, while in several developed countries of the world it is an important social science field. The aim of the diploma thesis is to provide recommendations for career education at secondary schools and to design intervention programs for career counselling for a group of secondary school students. The research questions seek to answer what variables play a role in high school career decision-making, what high school students expect from career guidance and education in schools, and the benefits of sharing a career decision-making process among peers. The qualitative research was chosen to answer the given research questions. Data were collected by the focus group method. The research project involved 29 students from three Prague grammar schools and one secondary vocational school. The results show that high school students' career decision-making is primarily influenced by their values, abilities and skills, interests, personality traits, perceived obstacles and barriers, and social effect. High school students expect guidance, information, acquaintance, a realistic perspective,...

This study aimed at exploring the grade nine learners' experience of career counselling at school in order to determine their ability to make informed subject and career choices. The literature review explored career education programmes and the changing world of work in South Africa. The importance of knowledge about career possibilities, personal values, personality traits and individual interests and abilities was highlighted. Qualitative research involved grade nine learners and Life Orientation teachers in individual and focus group interviews. Data analysis led to the following conclusions: Life Orientation teachers are not adequately informed about the purpose and aim of the career counselling process. Most teachers do not have the necessary knowledge and skills to support learners to make informed subject and career choices. Career counselling in grade nine does not meet the needs of the learners. / Educational Studies / M. Ed.(Psychology of education)

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between archetypal values (measured by the PMAI), career orientations (measured by the COI), perceived career success and meaningfulness (measured by open-ended questions) in a sample of 207 participants employed in the science and engineering sector. The secondary objective was to qualitatively assess the core themes underlying individuals‟ perceptions of their career success and meaningfulness. The tertiary objective was to determine whether demographic groups differ in terms of their archetypal values and career orientations. The research findings indicated significant relationships between participants‟ archetypal values, career orientations, their perceptions of career success and meaningfulness. The findings further revealed a number of core themes underlying individuals‟ perceptions of their career success and meaningfulness. Significant differences were observed between demographic groups in terms of their archetypal values and career orientations. The findings contributed valuable new knowledge to inform career counselling and decision-making practices. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M. Com. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

The main purpose of this study is to explore the role spirituality plays in the coping of traffic officers within the South African Traffic Services. A sample of ten traffic officers participated in the study, and data was obtained by means of open-ended questions during in-depth and semi-structured interviews. The literature review aimed to conceptualise spirituality, to conceptualise coping, and to theoretically explore the role of spirituality in the coping of traffic officers. Specific aims for the empirical study were: to gain a better understanding of how traffic officers experience the role of spirituality in coping with their role within the South African context; to provide a framework that can assist with creating an understanding of the role spirituality plays in coping as a traffic officer; and to formulate recommendations for possible future research that explores the role of spirituality in the coping of traffic officers within the discipline of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, more specifically in employee and organisational wellness, and career counselling. The research findings showed that traffic officers in the sample all utilised spirituality in the workplace to various extents, and that they exhibited adaptive coping abilities when doing so. They associated less spirituality or a lack of spirituality with weaker coping abilities. It was found that spirituality in the traffic officers is informed by a foundation of spirituality or religion, purpose to their work and life, their connection to their spiritual source, and the fruits of spirituality. Their coping ability was influenced by upbringing and background, by stressors from their work environment and by coping mechanisms. The role of spirituality in the coping of traffic officers culminated in their ability to interpret the meaning of spirituality, and then to implement spirituality in order to cope. / Industrial & Organisational Psychology / M. Com. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

The theoretical part of the diploma thesis presents some selected approaches to career counseling with emphasis on the French method bilan de compétences . This method is based on an approach that combines the competence analysis, psychological assessment, individual empowerment and career counseling. Finally, a resumé of most in uential research studies examining mental processes active during this method is presented. Results of the research study conducted on a sample of 31 (28-49 years) unemployed, participants of a six week bilan de compétences programme are presented in the second part of the thesis. We measured the evolution of self-e cacy, locus of control and psychological well-being during the programme. These variables were measured in three phases: prior to the programme, at the end of the programme and on month following the end of the programme. At the end of the programme participants showed signi cantly higher level of self-e cacy and psychological well-being as compared to the situation before the start of the programme. One month after its end, however, values returned to its original level. We also examined relationship between satisfaction with the programme, level of acquired knowledge and observed psychological variables. No signi cant relationship was discovered. Results...

by Lum Wai-mun. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 46-47). / ABSTRACT --- p.ii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iv / LIST OF FIGURES --- p.vi / LIST OF TABLES --- p.vii / LIST OF APPENDIX --- p.viii / ACKNOWLEDGMENTS --- p.ix / Chapter / Chapter I. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Background --- p.1 / Objective of Study --- p.2 / Methodology --- p.3 / Chapter II. --- STRATEGIC PLANNING --- p.6 / What is strategic planning --- p.6 / Benefits of Adopting Strategic Planning --- p.6 / Chapter III --- STRATEGIC PLANNING IN THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG --- p.8 / Threats and Opportunities in the External Environment --- p.8 / Strength of City University of Hong Kong --- p.10 / Weaknesses of City University of Hong Kong --- p.12 / Mission --- p.13 / Strategies --- p.15 / Chapter IV --- CAREER COUNSELLING SERVICE OF THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG --- p.16 / Background --- p.16 / Its role in Supporting the Corporate Strategies --- p.17 / Chapter V --- STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR THE CAREER COUNSELLING SERVICE --- p.21 / SWOT Analysis --- p.21 / Student Needs Analysis --- p.28 / Chapter VI --- RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CAREER COUNSELLING SERVICE / Strategies --- p.34 / Shared Value --- p.36 / Style --- p.37 / Staff and Skills --- p.37 / Structure --- p.37 / System --- p.38 / Chapter VII --- CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER STUDIES --- p.40 / APPENDIX --- p.42 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.46

In Nigeria, 92% of retirees live in poverty because of insufficient preparation for entrepreneurship that could serve as an alternative income in retirement. Guided by the human capital theory, the purpose of this case study was to explore how 15 civil service employees in Grade Levels 15-17 at the public service attained small scale business information before retirement. All employees had knowledge, training, and experience in small-scale business operation. Fifteen employees participated in individual interviews and 5 participated in a focus group; data were also gathered from, employee training records, organizational policy documents on training, and public service documents regarding capacity building. Using Yin's 5 step data analysis process, member checking, and triangulation, key findings emerged on financial institutions, mentoring, and vocational training opportunities as avenues employees can attain small scale business information required for entrepreneurship. The study findings may create awareness on how employees can attain small scale business information regarding sources of funding, mentorship, and vocational training during their final years of employment. This awareness may promote positive social change by preparing these individuals for entrepreneurship in retirement, thereby reducing the rate of post-retirement poverty.

Delaktigheten på den öppna arbetsmarknaden är låg för personer med psykisk funktionsnedsättning. Metoden Supported employment (SE) har visat sig vara framgångsrik i att hjälpa denna målgrupp att nå, få och behålla ett arbete på den reguljära arbetsmarknaden. Fokus har i forskning riktats mot metodens effektivitet men denna studie inriktar sig på arbetskonsulentens stöd inom SE och syftet i studien är att utforska vad dennes stöd betyder för deltagaren i metoden. Kvalitativa intervjuer har genomförts med tre deltagare och en gruppintervju med tre arbetskonsulenter. Det skräddarsydda, det instrumentella och det emotionella stödet samverkar och leder till empowerment för två deltagare, som har nått en praktikplats där de trivs och kommer till sin rätt. De upplever en större delaktighet, handlingskraft, en bättre självkänsla samt ett ökat psykiskt välbefinnande. Slutsatsen utifrån denna studie är att det emotionella stödet från arbetskonsulenten är en viktig grund för att lyckas med SE och konsulentens förmåga att balansera mängden stöd är centralt för deltagarens självständighet och möjlighet att nå empowerment. / Lack of participation in the open labor market is highly prevalent for people with mental illness. Vocational rehabilitation through Supported employment (SE) has shown to be an effective approach to improve employment outcomes. Research generally centres upon the effectiveness of the method. This study focuses on the support from the SE-coach and the aim is to investigate the meaning of this support to the participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three participants and a group interview with three coaches. The emotional, tailored and instrumental supports were pointed out as being helpful. They interact and lead to empowerment for two of the participants who are now in work practice. They show satisfaction with their occupational situation and with being part of a social context. The participants express improvement in psychiatric symptoms, global functioning and self-esteem. The findings of this study highlight the importance of the emotional support from the SE-coach, and stress the ability of the coach to balance the amount of support given. This is crucial in order to facilitate the empowerment of the participants.

Syftet med studien är att utforska den narrativa arbetsmetoden Livets träd som karriärvägledningsinstrument och i vilka sammanhang metoden är som mest användbar inom vägledning. I undersökningen har vi använt en kvalitativ ansats med fyra enskilda intervjuer som datainsamlingsverktyg. Respondenter delar gemensamma drag angående det grundläggande syftet och utvärdering av metoden Livets träd. De menar att metoden bidrar till att stärka individers tro på sin egen förmåga. Genom bättre självkännedom får individen även en meningsfullhet i tillvaron och större möjligheter till att utforska sig själv och sina drömmar. Metoden i sig beskrivs som både filosofisk och kreativ, vilket gör att metoden inte passar alla, både vad som gäller deltagare och personal. För att arbetet i metoden ska ge bästa utdelning krävs det att man arbetat upp en trygghet inom gruppen. Det handlar om att både delge av sina egna tankar likväl som att få respons av de andra deltagarna. Metoden anses ha störst utvecklingsmöjligheter i arbetet med barn, vilket även är metodens ursprungliga målgrupp. Metoden passar även unga vuxna utan sysselsättning, ungdomar som lever i svåra familjeförhållanden, ensamkommande flyktingbarn, nyanlända invandrare, ungdomar som på grund av olika anledningar misslyckats att nå fullkomliga betyg på grundskola eller gymnasiet som tänkbara målgrupper och sammanhang för metoden. / The purpose of this study is to explore the application of the narrative method The Tree of Life as a career guidance instrument and to investigate the career counselling contexts in which the method could be most usable. As research strategy, we have chosen to perform a case study without intervention with four individual interviews as data collection method. The results show that the interviewees share common features regarding the fundamental purpose and the evaluation of the method The Tree of Life. They argue that the method helps to strengthen individuals’ belief in their own abilities. Through better self-knowledge individuals may perceive their life as more meaningful and they may get more opportunities to explore themselves and their dreams. The method itself is described as both philosophical and creative, which means that it cannot be applied automatically by all the counsellors and within every kind of target groups. The study shows that the method’s potential is better exploited when the counsellor succeeds in creating the appropriate sense of safeness within the group so that the participants can fully share the stories of their lives and get feedback from the others. According to the collected data, the method is considered to have its greatest potential for development in the work with children, who on the other hand have been its peculiar target group, since the method was developed in 2005. Nevertheless, the interviewees could see the method as applicable also within other target groups. They have referred in particular to young people who are neither in education nor in employment, to young people who live in a difficult family background, to unaccompanied refugee children, to newly arrived immigrants, and to youth who for various reasons are not able to fulfil their course of education.

Επιχειρείται η διερεύνηση των αντιλήψεων των Συμβούλων Σταδιοδρομίας των Σχολείων Δεύτερης Ευκαιρίας (ΣΔΕ) σχετικά με το ρόλο τους στην επαγγελματική ανάπτυξη των ενηλίκων εκπαιδευομένων. Διερευνάται πως η εκπαιδευτική και επαγγελματική διαδρομή των Συμβούλων Σταδιοδρομίας στα ΣΔΕ επηρεάζει την ιδιότητα και το ρόλο τους. Ποια η αντίληψη των Συμβούλων Σταδιοδρομίας για την συμβολή του ρόλου τους, στην επαγγελματική ανάπτυξη των εκπαιδευόμενων στα ΣΔΕ. Πως οι αντιλήψεις για τις συνθήκες λειτουργίας και το πλαίσιο του θεσμού της Συμβουλευτικής Σταδιοδρομίας στα ΣΔΕ, (σχέσεις των Συμβούλων Σταδιοδρομίας τόσο με τους άλλους εκπαιδευτές, όσο και με το ΙΔΕΚΕ, τους άλλους φορείς εξυπηρέτησης ενηλίκων και την τοπική κοινωνία), επηρέαζουν την επαγγελματική ανάπτυξη των ενηλίκων εκπαιδευομένων στα ΣΔΕ. Ποιες οι απόψεις των Συμβούλων Σταδιοδρομίας για την αποδοτικότητα του θεσμού της Συμβουλευτικής Σταδιοδρομίας στα ΣΔΕ όσον αφορά την επαγγελματική ανάπτυξη των ενηλίκων εκπαιδευομένων και ποιες οι προτάσεις τους για τη βελτίωση του θεσμού που έχουν να καταθέσουν. Χρησιμοποιείται η μέθοδος της ημιδομημένης συνέντευξης, η οποία αποβλέπει στην καταγραφή των απόψεων και των εμπειριών των συμβούλων, που συμμετέχουν στη συμβουλευτική διαδικασία στα Σχολεία Δεύτερης Ευκαιρίας. Εξετάζεται επίσης, η συμβολή της Συμβουλευτικής Σταδιοδρομίας στους ενήλικες εκπαιδευόμενους των ΣΔΕ, ο ρόλος των συμβούλων Σταδιοδρομίας, (προσόντα. επιστημονικές γνώσεις, ποιοτικά χαρακτηριστικά) στην παραπάνω διαδικασία, καθώς επίσης ο τρόπος που δομούν και ασκούν το ρόλο τους και κατά πόσο αυτός επηρεάζει την επαγγελματική και κατά συνέπεια την κοινωνική ένταξη των εκπαιδευόμενων των Σ.Δ.Ε. / Attempts to investigate the perceptions of Career Counsellors of Second Chance Schools (SDE) on their role in the professional development of adult learners. Investigated how the educational and professional journey of Directors of Career SBS affects the status and role. What is the concept of career guidance for the contribution of their role, the professional development of trainees in SBS. How do perceptions of conditions and the context of the institution of Career Counseling in AAD (relationships of Career Counsellors, both with other trainers, and the IDEKE, other adult service agencies and local community) affect the professional development adult learners in SBS. What are the views of Career Counsellors for the profitability of the institution of Career Guidance in SBS for the professional development of adult learners and what their suggestions for improving the institution having to testify. The method of semi-structured interview, designed to record the views and experiences of the consultants involved in the consultative process in the Second Chance Schools. Also examined the contribution of Career Counseling in adult learners of SBS, the role of consultants Career (prosonta. scientific knowledge, qualities) in this process, as well as how they construct and perform their role and how it affects the professional and therefore the inclusion of learners of SDE