Human Resource Portals and the Protean Career: A Three-Factor Model

Abstract

This chapter discusses the role of human resource portals in the management of the protean career. A protean career is a career that is frequently changing due to both changes in the person’s interests, abilities, and values, and changes in the work environment. The chapter develops a three-factor model, which contends that three types of variables (individual attributes, characteristics of the human resource portals, and organizational factors) influence the effective use of Web-based human resource services. The model also argues that the effective use of Web-based human resource services plays an important role in the management of the protean career since employees act as free agents, responsible for their own career advancement opportunities. The three-factor model has implications for research and practice for both employees and employers.