Planned Happenstance Theory

Planned happenstance theory is a career design theory suggested by Krumboltz in 1999[MLK].

It was affected by Gelatt's positive uncertainty theory[G], which claims that not only objective judgement but also subjective judgement are important in order to respond to unexpected changes.

Before planned happenstance theory, it was considered that careers should be planned by declaring a clear future goal.

Krumboltz denied this thinking and claimed that most careers are determined by unexpected happenings, and suggested that job finders should

1. take action that will increase chances,

2. obtain skills in order to make good use of chances.

References

[G]Gelatt, H. B. (1989). Positive uncertainty: A new decision-making framework for counseling. Journal of counseling Psychology, 36(2), 252.

[MLK]Mitchell, K. E., Al Levin, S., & Krumboltz, J. D. (1999). Planned happenstance: Constructing unexpected career opportunities. Journal of counseling & Development, 77(2), 115-124.