Exploring the process of compromise in career decision making

Although the process of compromise has long been regarded as fundamental to career decision making, it has received little theoretical or empirical attention. This study explores the role of three variables (prestige, sex type, and vocational interests) which, according to L. S. Gottfredson (1981, Journal of Counseling Psychology Monograph, 28, 545–579), strongly influence peoples' compromise choices. In general terms some of her basic propositions concerning the relative influence of the three variables are supported. However, the situation appears more complex than Gottfredson suggests, as a variety of compromise strategies were identified.