Definitions
Boundaryless career
Picture
Boundaryless career


All definitions
Arthur and Rousseau (1996) present the "boundaryless" career as one characterized by independence from traditional organization-related careers rather than dependence on them.

For Arthur & Rousseau, boundaryless careers are the opposite of organizational careers, which are characterized by stability and are described as occurring within a single organization. They present the following specifics that illustrate what the boundaryless career can look like for individuals:
  • Individuals (career actors) move from employer to employer rather than remaining with a single organization. An example would be the technological talent of Silicon Valley.
  • Career actors' validation and marketability come from outside their employer... and instead are conferred by academic or professional credentials and experience. Academics and skilled tradespeople (e.g. carpenters) are examples.
  • The career itself is grounded in information access or an external network. Real estate agents are an example.
  • The individual does not report or advance within the organization in a strictly hierarchical fashion. 
  • The individual himself or herself rejects a traditional career path in order to give a higher priority to personal or family considerations.
  • The career actor herself or himself may simply not perceive the organizational structural constraints that might, from a traditional view, limit his or her view of career-related opportunities.

Related terms


References
Arthur, MB, Rousseau, DM (eds) (1996) The Boundaryless Career. New York: Oxford University Press.
Read a practice exam essay in response to:

"Critically evaluate the notion of the boundaryless career as it relates to the theory and practice of career management."

Exam essay practice answer