SOME REMARKS ON GATI THEORY OF CAREER DECISION-MAKING MODELS

Gati's (1986) theory of models of career decision making is discussed in reference to Taylor's (1985) theory of evaluation modes. It is suggested that there exist at least 3 basic orientations for making career decisions: optimalizing, questing and instant choice. It is argued that these orientations do not simply represent alternative algorithms for acquiring and processing information related to career decisions, a la Gati, but instead speak to the phenomenologically moral nature of the career decision-making situation in a way that Gati's models do not. Implications for career counseling are discussed.