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The values of the Brazilian protean and the tensions between their career and culture
Martins de Souza, Jessica (2022) The values of the Brazilian protean and the tensions between their career and culture.
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| Abstract: | In a protean career, individuals' subjective goals inform their professional path and share their definitions of success. The concept was conceptualized based on individualistic western countries' perspectives. This study aims to examine if the protean careerist of Brazil, a non-western country, is similar to the typical protean uncovered in the western context. Moreover, it seeks to understand if culture can set extra challenges for protean careerists in cultures that value objective rewards. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to pre-select participants who have taken protean steps. Next, a Brazilian Portuguese version of a protean scale was used as an inclusion criterion. Then, 24 semi-structured interviews with Brazilian protean professionals helped to understand the tensions between a protean career and the country's culture. The data analysis led to 12 categories split into two themes. The first theme focused on the values and preferences of the Brazilian protean. The second theme talked about Brazil as a context for protean careers. Findings confirmed that the values of the Brazilian protean are similar to those of western protean professionals. Yet, there is tension between cultural dimensions in the country and the protean career. From one side, the Brazilian protean pursues intrapersonal success outcomes, such as personal fulfillment. On the other hand, they consider financial rewards, an interpersonal success outcome. The findings indicate that preferences for intrapersonal or intrapersonal career outcomes are shaped by one's culture. This research shows that counterbalancing cultural aspects with chosen career styles facilitates protean careers in adverse contexts. Furthermore, it advises that concepts coined in a given cultural setting should not be generalized to other contexts without scrutiny. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 05 communication studies |
| Programme: | Communication Studies MSc (60713) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/92825 |
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