A Relational Approach to Self-Assessment and Career Development

Describes the main ideas in a module on relational self-assessment as part of a course on self-assessment and career development or as part of a course on leadership and organizational behavior for MBA students or executives. Reflects a "relational" approach to career theory and self-assessment. A relational model is based on the notion that the self is inseparable from interaction with others and that connection in meaningful relationships is essential to professional learning and development. This view stands in some contrast to more traditional career and adult development theories that often conceptualize development as a progression through a series of stages. Reflecting the relational approach to careers, the cases in this module note address the relational context in which careers are shaped and career decisions are made.