Working out the quality of work life : A career development perspective with insights for human resource management

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the importance of the quality of work life and its impact on career development from an organizational perspective, and provides insights into human resource management (HRM) practice. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reports the key findings of a study carried out in the USA, based on an online forum for people who undertook professional‐development programs to improve their career prospects. Practical implications – The paper offers two matrices, on the quality of work life and career development, which can help managers to evaluate their employees' cognitive response to job characteristics, and adopt appropriate measures to increase the significance of their job and prospects for career advancement. Originality/value – The paper focuses on the quality of work that resides in the direct experience of organizational dynamics rather than the common understanding of work‐life balance. Uses the multiple yet interrelated layers of such dynamics to draw out implications for HRM research and practice.