Norma Heaton

Bio: Norma Heaton is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Action (philosophy) & Unemployment. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 177 citations.

Women and Paid Work in Northern Ireland

Abstract: Labour market statistics suggest that the rate of economic activity for women in Northern Ireland is among the lowest of the UK regions. Reviewing recent research, explores possible causes, and goes on to examine similarities and differences in Catholic and Protestant women′s participation in paid work.

The graduate attributes we’ve overlooked: enhancing graduate employability through career management skills

Abstract: Recent shifts in education and labour market policy have resulted in universities being placed under increasing pressure to produce employable graduates. However, contention exists regarding exactly what constitutes employability and which graduate attributes are required to foster employability in tertiary students. This paper argues that in the context of a rapidly changing information- and knowledge-intensive economy, employability involves far more than possession of the generic skills listed by graduate employers as attractive. Rather, for optimal economic and social outcomes, graduates must be able to proactively navigate the world of work and self-manage the career building process. A model of desirable graduate attributes that acknowledges the importance of self-management and career building skills to lifelong career management and enhanced employability is presented. Some important considerations for the implementation of effective university career management programs are then outlined.

Transforming careers:from linear to multidirectional career paths

Abstract: Within the dynamic nature of labour markets, career systems have witnessed major changes in recent decades. This paper presents several career perspectives, to manifest a trend in career systems and their meaning and implications for individuals, organizations and society. This trend may be portrayed as a transition from what may be labelled “linear career system” into a “multidirectional career system”. Possible explanations to the phenomenon are presented, with suggested ideas for analysing and learning from the trend. The last section of the paper presents the academic career model as a prospective role model for future career systems, suggested as an intriguing idea and food for thought. Such a mental exercise of examining alternative career models, different from the traditional concept of careers, may be useful for both theory development and managerial practice.

The new careers : individual action and economic change

Abstract: Careers, Employment and Economies in Transition Exploring New Patterns of Career Behaviour Enactment in Career Behaviour Fresh Energy Engaging with Unfamiliar Situations Informed Direction Pursuing Career Pathways Seasoned Engagement Rounding Out Career Experience Turning Career Competences into Career Capital Investing Career Capital in Social Institutions The Enactment of Careers From Present to Future

Correlates of Networking Behavior for Managerial and Professional Employees

Abstract: Networking is an important strategy for managing one’s career, but little is known about those who engage in networking behaviors. A study of 418 managers and professionals was conducted to examine the relationship of personal and job characteristics to involvement in networking. Multiple regression results showed that gender, socioeconomic background, self-esteem, extraversion, favorable attitudes toward workplace politics, organizational level, and type of position are significant predictors of involvement in networking behaviors. Implications of these results and directions for future research on networking are discussed.