Organizational restructuring as a career shock exploring implications for career direction Lauren Beth Weinstein

Format:

Book

Thesis/Dissertation

Author/Creator:

Weinstein, Lauren Beth, author.

Contributor:

University of Pennsylvania. Penn Chief Learning Officer., degree granting institution.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

0703.

0454.

0688.

0635.

Local Subjects:

0703.

0454.

0688.

0635.

Genre:

Academic theses

Physical Description:

1 online resource (216 pages)

Contained In:

Dissertations Abstracts International 87-12A

Place of Publication:

Ann Arbor : ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, 2026

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Volatility in the technology sector, including layoffs, mergers and acquisitions, and AI-related job disruption, has affected individuals' careers. Despite these developments, limited research has examined the relationship between organizational restructuring and career development. This study explored employees' perceptions of organizational restructuring as a career shock across career stages. Drawing on career construction theory, the unfolding model of voluntary turnover, and job embeddedness theory, this study investigated how individuals interpreted restructuring events as career shocks and the factors that influenced their ability to navigate the experience. This study employed a qualitative, phenomenological methodology using semi-structured interviews with individuals working in the technology sector who had experienced organizational restructuring within the past year. Three key findings emerged: (a) individuals experience organizational restructuring as a career shock, prompting them to reevaluate their direction and their intention to stay with their current organization; (b) prior experience of change, life stage, and work life priorities are each important factors that help individuals navigate restructuring; and (c) participants in the technology sector operate in a persistent state of change, experiencing continual disruption. This study advances the literature on organizational restructuring and career development through qualitative research examining sensemaking, the mediating role of cognitive appraisal in career outcomes, and implications for an AI-driven workforce

Notes:

Source: Dissertations Abstracts International, Volume: 87-12, Section: A.

Advisors: Wiens, Kandi Committee members: Krishnamoorthy, Raghu; Tilin, Felice

Ed.D. University of Pennsylvania 2026

Vendor supplied data

Local Notes:

School code: 0175

ISBN:

9798252430461

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license