EXPLORING CAREERS WITH A TYPOLOGY - WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED AND SOME NEWDIRECTIONS

Holland's (1985a) typology of persons and environments is outlined, an d support for the theory as an explanation of stability and change in careers and work satisfaction is summarized. Studies show that people flourish in their work environment when there is a good fit between th eir personality type and the characteristics of the environment. Lack of congruence between personality and environment leads to dissatisfac tion, unstable career paths, and lowered performance. The results of r ecent research designed to strengthen the explanatory power of Holland 's typology and link it to the Big Five personality factors is describ ed Speculations about the application of the theory to future careers in a changing economy are offered.