Vocational Interests in the Workplace: Rethinking Behavior at Work

Recently, new research in vocational interests at work indicates that they play an important role in understanding workplace behavior. This book provides a review of existing theory on the topic and expands on the current literature to propose new models and approaches that clearly outline the links between interest theory and conduct at work. These approaches focus on how interests that influence career choices may play a role in some of the most widely researched topics in organizational psychology, including employee selection, training, motivation, and diversity at work. The book will appeal to researchers and graduate students in the fields of industrial/organizational psychology, management, human resources, and organizational behavior.

Vocational Interests in the Workplace is an essential new work, tying together past literature with contemporary research to present the most comprehensive coverage on vocational interests to date. With increasing recognition of the importance of vocational interests and their relevance to the workplace, this book emphasises the strong links between vocational interests and work behavior. It proposes new models and approaches that facilitate thorough exploration of the implications of this relationship between interests and practice.

The authors, drawing on knowledge and experience from a range of professional backgrounds, cover essential topics, including: interest measurement; personnel selection; motivation and performance; expertise; meaningful work; effects of a global business environment; diversity; and the ongoing development of interests through adulthood to retirement.

Endorsed by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology board, this book is a valuable resource for researchers, professionals, and educators in the fields of human resources, organizational behaviour, and industrial or organizational psychology.