Applying Merton's theory of anomia to career disruptions

Abstract

PurposeTaking an innovative theoretical approach, the purpose of this paper is to apply Merton's theory of anomia as personal reactions to social disruptions to white‐collar worker reactions to being unemployed or under‐employed.Design/methodology/approachExploratory, quantitative, secondary data analysis using data collected from convenience samples of career‐disrupted, white‐collar workers in four community and church based outplacement support groups. Recognizing career‐disruption as a potentially anomic state, factor analysis was used to develop scales suggestive of Merton's categories of reactions to anomia, and cluster analysis was used to classify respondents into Merton's categories.FindingsExploratory scales developed and resulting cluster analyses suggest Merton's theory may be helpful in recognizing different white‐collar work reactions to career displacement.Research limitations/implicationsSecondary analysis and convenience sample data are major limitations, but results justify a call for further research into the application of Merton's categories of reactions to anomia to displaced white‐collar workers.Practical implicationsGiven the frequent shifts in the business environment, white‐collar career disruptions will remain a frequent concern for senior management officers charged with administering layoffs and outplacement programs. Insights suggested by these analyses may aid anticipation of reactions of displaced white‐collar workers in ways that may influence placement and counseling activities related to worker adjustments.Originality/valueThis study is unique in applying Merton's theory of anomia to career disruptions, although Merton himself illustrated the theory with reference to workplace situations.