Krumboltz theory posits a holistic view of career decisions. It
attributes emphasis to role of several life
happenings and arenas, like genetic
endowments, environmental factors, one’s learning experiences, and
task approaching skills (cognitive, problem-solving and so
on) in one’s career development and choices.
This theory also posits that individuals lives may not
go as per a plan and hence emphasize on open mindedness,
and it focuses on fostering skills like
curiosity (exploring opportunities),
persistence (dealing with hindrances),
flexibility, risk taking, and optimism.
There exist several advantages and disadvantages of
utilizing complex models like Krumboltz
model.
Advantages
- Krumboltz theory assumes that individuals’ lives are a
result of both planned and unplanned situations, and one
cannot always plan what happens in life. This normalizes
the confusion that individuals face and reframes indecisiveness as
open-mindedness.
- Complex theories like Krumboltz also tend to
posit steps through which individuals can proceed further
and gain from unplanned events (Career exploration).
- Such theories also take in a holistic view,
enhancing quality of career and personal lives, thus fostering work
life equilibrium. Taking holistic view also facilitates informed
decision.
- Such complex theories which focus on all
arenas of one’s life tend to also emphasize on development
and learning of self.
Disadvantages
- Such complex theories which take holistic views can be
time consuming, and do not give out immediate
results to those who need it.
- Such complex theories also do not help in making a
single career decision as they focus on career
exploration.
- Career explorations can also end up in individuals
taking unplanned steps for career reinvention which might
end up in failure.
- Complex theories like Krumboltz make use of assessment
techniques which might not always give out precise results
and thus might mislead the client and enhance frustration and
ambiguity.