Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/34447

Title

Sex differences in perceived career success

Author(s)

Poole, Millicent E.;  Langan-Fox, Janice

Abstract

This study sought to draw together the scattered literature on sex differences in perceived career success and to present a theoretical framework for use by those interested in more carefully describing what men and women define as career success. Results of a longitudinal study of perceived career success involving approximately 3000 Australians are presented. A LISREL analysis was performed on model variables contrasting the importance of two aspects of Raynor's (1982) theory of personality functioning and change---subjective and objective criteria---in determining the dependent variable, perceived success. We hypothesized that subjective criteria, for example, being satisfied in one's job, would be a more important determinant of perceived success than objective criteria such as attainment. The parameter estimates obtained supported the overall implication of the hypothesized model for both men and women. However, support was not found for a number of hypothesized relationships, such as sizable effects of external constraints on subjective and objective factors and the effects of attainment on work satisfaction.

Publication type

Journal article

Source

Genetic, Social and General Psychology monographs, Vol. 117, no. 2 (May 1991), p. 155

Publication year

1991

Keyword(s)

Gender differences;  Job satisfaction;  Perceptions;  Success;  Sex differences

Publisher

Heldref Publications

ISSN

8756-7547

Copyright

Copyright of Genetic, Social & General Psychology Monographs is the property of Heldref Publications and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.

Peer reviewed