Constructing Careers ‘in chaos’. Exploring Career Progress of Expatriates and Repatriates on Career Ladder or Career Lattice Pathways

Reimara Valk

doi:10.53379/cjcd.2025.423

Authors

Reimara Valk American University in Dubai

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53379/cjcd.2025.423

Keywords:

International assignments, Career ladder and lattice pathways, Career progress, Expatriates, Repatriates

Abstract

This article explores expatriate and repatriate career progress on career ladder and lattice paths through the theoretical lenses of Career Construction Theory, Chaos Theory of Careers and the Career Ladder versus Career Lattice model. The research method is an exploratory, qualitative study, using purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques. 78 interviews were conducted with expatriates and repatriates originating from countries across the globe. Findings reveal that respondents had multidirectional global careers, shifting from linear, hierarchical career ladder paths to non-linear, unpredictable career lattice paths along which they made career progress.

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