A Theory of Work Role Transitions

Nigel Nicholson This paper presents a new theory of work role transitions, linking personal and organizational adjustment outcomes with the characteristics of the person, the role, and the organization. The need for theory is argued in a brief overview of the field, and a conceptual framework for analyzing modes of adjustment to transition is presented. The main body of the theory for predicting adjustment modes is set out, and the implications and predictions of the theory for changing patterns of adjustment over work histories and lifetime careers are discussed.