The boundaryless career at 20: where do we stand, and where can we go?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on a broad body of work that responds to the boundaryless career concept, first introduced in 1993, and to anticipate new theory-building and research.

Design/methodology/approach

Covers the origination of the concept, its meaning and definition, the underlying influence of an earlier group of careers scholars from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the importance of an interdisciplinary perspective.

Findings

Identifies three categories of activity – involving internal debates, fresh theoretical contributions, and new collaborative opportunities – that have occurred citing boundaryless career scholarship.

Research limitations/implications

Suggests how scholars can build on the legacy of both organizational and boundaryless careers research in their future work.

Originality/value

Links between foundational MIT work on careers, boundaryless careers and current debates to suggests future research directions.

Citation

B. Arthur, M. (2014), "The boundaryless career at 20: where do we stand, and where can we go?", Career Development International, Vol. 19 No. 6, pp. 627-640. https://doi.org/10.1108/CDI-05-2014-0068