Career Anchors Inventory (Schein)
HR & WorkReliability: alphas 0.65–0.85 across 8 anchors3 sample items
About this scale
A 40-item measure of career anchors — the self-concept that guides and constrains career choices. Eight anchors: technical/functional, general managerial, autonomy/independence, security/stability, entrepreneurial, service/dedication, pure challenge, and lifestyle.
Sample item(s)
“I dream of being so good at what I do that my expert advice will be sought constantly (technical)”
“I am most fulfilled in my work life when I have been able to integrate my personal, family, and career needs (lifestyle)”
“Becoming a high-level general manager is one of my career goals (managerial)”
Reliability
Reported internal consistency: alphas 0.65–0.85 across 8 anchors. As a rule of thumb, Cronbach’s α ≥ .70 is considered acceptable, ≥ .80 good, and ≥ .90 excellent for established measures.
Notes
Foundational career-anchors framework.
Source & citation
Schein, E. H., & Van Maanen, J. (2013): Career Anchors: The changing nature of work and careers — participant workbook (4th ed.). Wiley.
Source. Scale details are summarised from the publication cited above. Always consult the original source for the full item set, scoring, and permission to use.
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