A DESCRIPTION OF CAREER-DEVELOPMENT SERVICES WITHIN CANADIAN ORGANIZATIONS

This study explored the scope and nature of career development service s within organizations. One human resource/personnel department repres entative in each of the 30 largest organizations in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, was interviewed. The Career Development Questionnaire provided the framework for the structured interviews. Participants outlined th eir conceptualizations of organizational career development, described the outcomes organizations hoped to achieve through the use of career development services, listed the services provided by their organizat ions, and rated the effectiveness of each service. Although the descri ptions and the intended outcomes for career development services were consistent, specific services were not aligned with specific goals. Th is finding highlighted the need for practitioners to ensure they align services with their goals and for researchers to evaluate the effects of career development services on the basis of their specific intenti ons. Overall, results suggest that career development within organizat ions is still practiced in a part-time and informal manner.