D.B.A. Baker College (Michigan), 2013.
Specialization: Organizational behavior; Occupational psychology; Economics, Labor
Late-career reemployment transitions: How unemployed older knowledge workers rejoin the labor force
275 pages. UMI #: 3601163
Citation, Abstract & Full text in ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Database
The researcher focused on how late-career knowledge workers succeed in contemporary job search and career change transitions following the 2007-2009 American economic recession, a subject and context that have not been adequately addressed in research. Qualitative multiple case study methodology with an interpretive focus on success cases was applied to explore the experiences of 10 older knowledge workers in Michigan who returned to the labor force after late-career exits from previous employment. Key findings included descriptions of how participants approached their late-career reemployment (LCR) transitions, developed and applied important strengths and behaviors, strategically utilized sources of support as needed, and engaged with employers to succeed in a highly competitive labor market. Key implications for practice and research were that models of sustainable employability, late-career employability transition, LCR engagement, and LCR transition developed in this study are useful in explaining how late-career knowledge workers achieved success in their job searches. The models include a listing of 53 LCR success factors and the introduction of motivational and functional competitiveness as keys to reemployment. Conclusions and recommendations were directed toward new practice and research knowledge regarding occupational strength attributes and behaviors of late-career knowledge workers in reemployment transitions, sources of employment-related support, and employer talent acquisition processes.