Holland’s Theory of Career Development

Question 1

When did Holland release/establish his theory of Career Choice?

Answer 1

1985

Question 2

What were the main points/ideas of his theory?

Answer 2

• People prefer to to work with others of a similar personality to them.
• People search for environments that will foster their skills, interests, attributes, and values.
• People who meet the above criteria will enjoy greater job satisfaction.

Question 3

Holland outlined six key ‘personality types‘ to demonstrate this. What were these?

Answer 3

RIASEC

R: Realistic
I: Investigative
A: Artistic
S: Social
E: Enterprising
C: Conventional

Question 4

Name some characteristics of a Realistic personality type:

Answer 4

Active and stable people who enjoy hands on activities and like being outside.

Question 5

Name some characteristics of an Investigative personality type:

Answer 5

Analytical, intellectual and observant people who enjoy using logic for problem-solving and value learning.

Question 6

Name some characteristics of an Artistic personality type:

Answer 6

Original, inventive and imaginative people who enjoy creative arts, dislike conformity and may lack organisational skills.

Question 7

Name some characteristics of a Social personality type:

Answer 7

Responsible people who are concerned with the welfare of others and enjoy group activities.

Question 8

Name some characteristics of an Enterprising personality type:

Answer 8

Energetic, ambitious and confident people who typically have good ‘people skills’ although may be domineering and not completely knowledgeable.

Question 9

Name some characteristics of a Conventional personality type:

Answer 9

Efficient, conforming and organised people who are comfortable working with well-defined rules and routines, and may enjoy maintaining and manipulating data.

Question 10

What is a Holland code?

Answer 10

Your Holland code is the top two or three personality types that you most identify with. It is written with 3 letters, from your strongest personality type to your your weakest (of the 3).

For example, 90% Enterprising, 70% Investigative and 65% Conventional is written as: EIC

Question 11

What does the model for Holland’s theory appear as?

Answer 11

A 6 pointed hexagon, where each segment is one ‘personality type’, arranged in the order of RIASEC, going clockwise from the top. The further apart two personality types are, the less similar they are.

Question 12

What are 3 issues with Holland’s Theory?

Answer 12

-Studies (Spokane 1985) do not show the level of satisfaction Holland claims should be achieved through a correct match.
– Holland does not recognise social factors that may affect careers, such as ethnicity, gender, location, social capital, etc.
- Holland puts an unrealistically high standard on Labour Market Information (LMI). This does not accurately represent the latest information, so the theory cannot accommodate new and emerging jobs in society.
- Holland provides little support on how to choose between roles who are equally well matched to.