What is Career Anchor?
It is a career-related concept studied by American psychologist Edgar Schein.
The Career Anchor is a framework for identifying values and motivations that are important to individuals, and was proposed by Edgar Schein. It is often used as a assessment tool to assess an individual's career aptitude, and is often used in corporate training programs and counseling by recruitment agents. The Career Anchor provides a clue to the type of work and environment in which one is most likely to be satisfied and successful.
Career Anchor Characteristics
A framework based on personal values and motivations
Career anchors are based on the values and motivations you feel are most important in your work and career. The goal is to help you focus on what you really want when making career choices, and to help you make choices that align with those values to achieve long-term satisfaction and success.
Eight Different Anchor Types
Career anchors fall into eight different types based on an individual's values and motivations. Each reflects what an individual values most in a job, allowing for a personalized career path and career choice.
Unchanging Core Values
Career anchors represent “core values” that generally do not change significantly. These values may be fine-tuned over the course of a career in response to experience and circumstances, but they fundamentally and consistently support an individual's decision-making.
Greater Self-Understanding
The Career Anchor is a tool to help individuals better understand themselves and recognize what is truly important to them. This allows for greater clarity and confidence in career decision-making.
Benefits of Career Anchors
Career Selection Guidelines
Understanding your career anchor can provide a stepping stone to making the best career choice for you. Knowing your anchor will help you identify what gives you strong satisfaction and design your career choice and path accordingly.
Promoting Personal Growth
Understanding your career anchor and acting on it can promote personal growth. By proactively choosing challenges and skills that align with your values, you can build a more fulfilling career.
Increase Career Flexibility
Understanding your career anchor allows you to be flexible and responsive to changes and transitions in your career. When you understand your anchor, you are more adaptable to change and can respond to new environments while maintaining the values that are important to you.
Organizational and Individual Harmony
By using career anchors, organizations can support career development based on individual values and motivations and increase member engagement. In addition, when members understand their anchors, it is easier to align organizational and individual needs, creating benefits for both parties.
Detailed explanation by type
Summary
The Career Anchor is a powerful tool that provides deep insight into and clarifies the values that individuals hold most dear in their careers. By using career anchors, you can choose a path that is more suited to you and build a fulfilling career. For organizations, understanding and supporting individuals based on their Career Anchors can also contribute to the motivation and performance of their members.