Introduction: Context, Purpose, and Problem

Abstract

This chapter establishes the context, purpose, and problem posed by the book. Identity is a construct that influences virtually every aspect of life, including work life. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the construct of identity and to demonstrate why and how it plays a significant role within career development. Through an examination of the construct of identity, its purpose is to offer a rationale for the increasing importance of career development research efforts within our field that hopefully enrich our human resource and career development practices. The chapter will begin with a brief discussion of some of the extant career development research in human resource development (HRD). Next, it will offer some definitions of the construct of identity, followed by a discussion of the proposed characteristics of identity. It will conclude with implications for HRD practice and research that align our work in HRD with the current realities of career development.