A longitudinal investigation of the Kaleidoscope Career Model, networking behaviors, and career success

Abstract

Increased global competition and rapid technological advancements have dramatically altered organizational structures and the work environment. The Kaleidoscope Career Model (KCM) was developed to explain how individuals enact their careers within today's complex, dynamic workplace. The KCM is particularly relevant for studying career development activities, such as networking behavior, a key career management strategy. The purpose of this longitudinal study is to examine the relationship between the three parameters of the KCM – authenticity, balance, and challenge – and how individuals target their networking behavior. In addition, we examine the relationship between the KCM parameters and career success outcomes, and whether these outcomes are mediated by networking behavior. Alumni from a Midwestern U.S. university were surveyed in 2012 and again in 2019. Overall, the results of this study showed a link between the parameters of the KCM and how individuals target their networking behaviors to help achieve their career goals.