Abstract
D.Comm. (Leadership Performance and Change)
The purpose of this thesis is to develop a theory, which is based on the career
transition phenomenon as experienced by transitioning individuals. Specific focus is
given to professionals who transition either to a new profession where a new South
African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) qualification is required, or to a wholly
unrelated non-professional job where no new qualifications are required. This thesis
also provides a theoretical overview of the movement from old career concepts to
new career concepts and its related influence on both individuals, as well as the
organization, as this is the environment in which career transition take place.
An interpretive qualitative approach with a specific grounded theory strategy was
employed. Data and information was collected by way of memoirs, interviews and
literature. The data came from a total of eight participants who each submitted a
personal account of their career transitions as they experienced it in the form of a
memoir. Additional data was collected via structured interviews, where participants
were requested to provide their inputs and comments. These interviews were also a
form of member checking, as the questions were developed based on the initial
analysis of their memoirs. Information was also collected from literature, where any
and all related career transition concepts were explored, and included in the final
analysis.
The specific application of grounded theory that was followed to analyse the data
was Straussarian. This analysis process entails three steps. Firstly, the researcher
applied open coding, followed by axial coding, and, lastly selective coding. Each new
participant who was analysed was chosen by following the theoretical sampling
technique. The qualitative data analysis software programme called ATLAS was
utilized to store all data that was collected, including the developed codes and
theoretical memos. Mind maps were developed as the analysis progressed and
assisted in the development of the final story on career transitions. Data analysis
ended when theoretical saturation was obtained.