Career “mist,” “hope,” and “drift”: conceptual framework for understanding career development in Japan

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to present a new theoretical framework concerning subjective career development in Japan. The framework consists of three concepts, namely, career “drift,” “mist,” and “hope”. Design/methodology/approach – This paper introduces these concepts, including how they were discovered, and the potential strength they possess in expressing the subjective side of a career. The main method used to develop these concepts was the “grounded theory approach” advocated by Glaser and Strauss. Findings – Although findings from this framework alone are limited, it is possible to point out several advantages of this framework compared with traditional stage models of career development. The framework expresses the complex state of mind in which an individual may be placed in the process of career management, especially on how people design or gain direction in an uncertain situation. Research limitations/implications – This framework stands purely in an arena of theoretical arguments. Future research, including both quantitative and qualitative, must be conducted to test the generalizability of this framework. Each concept can be operationalized and scales should be developed. Originality/value – This paper introduces original concepts and a framework derived from qualitative studies in Japan. By looking into different cultural settings, it may trigger a discussion on what is universal and what is local in career theories. Also, the new framework may be used to make sense of careers, which could not be done based on traditional values.