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CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter contains literature and studies on career choice, career guidance

and Counseling, decision-making, the K to 12 program, students’ satisfaction level,

and factors that Affect their career choices. These materials were gathered from online

journals, theses and Dissertations, and other online sources which provided the

researchers with an exhaustive review Of the topic and essential background

knowledge to pursue the study.

Conceptual Literature

Career Choice

Ghuangpeng (2011) defines career choice as a process which occurs when an

individual, especially students, chooses a particular career for college. It is one of the

most important selection processes that students may encounter on their entire lives,

because after they graduate from college, they will allot most of their time in

achieving their goals with the help of the Careers they chose to pursue (Department of

Labor, 2010). Thus, according to Edwards and Quinter (2011), it is important for

students to make an informed decision on their careers, since it Affects some of the

aspects of their future lives or their future jobs/profession.

However, choosing a career is difficult, especially during these unsettled

economic times, Which makes it more complicated for students to choose a direction

(William, 2016). Also, Wattles (as cited by Edwards and Quinter, 2011)

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states that, with the continued development of Information technology throughout the

years, choosing a career “has become a complex Science”. For instance, it was

common in the early days for children to follow the footsteps or Occupation of their

parents, if one is a son of a blacksmith, then he is ought to become a Blacksmith when

he reaches the proper age. Nowadays, however, an individual may expand His/her

ambitions in life and become a successful or wealthy person as long as he/she has

what it Takes to accomplish his/her goals.

Meanwhile, students’ choices are anchored on how they perceive a

profession, and most Of them will select one which they think is the most suitable

(Super and Savicks, as cited by Gavo, 2014). Career preferences of individuals also

vary since people are different from each other in terms of personality, behavior, age,

environment and etc. (Hewitt, as cited by Braza and Guillo, 2015). Hence, a

profession which interests one person may not be similar to another Person’s interest

(Gavo, 2014).

With the suggestions of other authors, we can imply that today’s youth must

consider the current situation or changes that may occur in the field of work, their

self-knowledge, Capabilities and interests when they choose a career to pursue.

Career Guidance and Counseling

 According to Pafili and Mylonakis (2011), when students are able to select

the right Career, they can effectively use their knowledge and skills which could help

on the development and welfare of the society. Yet, some students may not have

sufficient knowledge and understanding about the right career to pursue (Aguado,

Laguador & Deligero, 2015). This might be because of the problems being faced by

students when they are trying to match their career choice with their abilities and

performance, especially on academics (Edwards and Quinter, 2011). Therefore, proper

guidance and counseling is necessary.

Helping individuals explore their various options is one of the main purpose

or role of Guidance and counseling. Fortunately, vocational or career guidance and

counseling emerged onEarly 20th century because of the increased industrialization

(Gysbers, as cited by Mihaela and Cristina, 2015). This type of guidance and

counseling allowed guidance counselors to help Individuals, specifically students,

acquire needed competencies to aid them on planning and selecting the appropriate

and suitable career for them (Pascual, 2014).

Aside from this, the International Association for Educational and

Vocational Guidance, As cited by William (2016), states that “career guidance also

play an important role in sustaining A highly qualified and economically viable

society,” and at the same time have a vital role in Supporting sustainable economic

growth and social stability.

 Meanwhile, as education and career guidance are connected with each

other, Thuy Van and Bich Loan (2016) suggest that these two have the following

linked goals:

1. “To foster students’ self-awareness self-directedness as well as skills to

determine Workable goals, and to learn consistently in order to value-add to

their future workplace;

2. Assist students to explore and make decisions based on valid information

towards their Education and career oriented directions.

3. In still in their minds the value of utility for all sort careers and how all these

contribute Towards the smooth and well-functioning of society; and fourthly,

equipping students With the skills and means, so by means of which they may

be able to positively engage Their parents and other career influencers.”

Padmashanthi and Manathunga (2014) further added that students should be

Exposed to career information which is the basis for the provision of career guidance

services. The things included in it are all the information that could help or aid

Students on making Educational, training, and occupational decisions while they are

studying. It is also important that Schools keep track of up to date information about

today’s trends that would help students on their Career decisions, rather than sticking

with the information they have

(Awinsong, Dawson & Gidiglo, 2015). Also, William (2016) propose that the

implementation or practice of career Guidance and counseling programs should

initially done on lower grade levels and carried on to Higher grade levels in an orderly

manner. However, the willingness of students to take part in the Program should be
ensured as their interest is a good indicator in choosing a career (Aguado, Laguador &

Deligero, 2015).

There is also a problem on students’ awareness or the way they are

informed regarding the availability of career guidance and counseling programs in

their schools. A study of Fox and Butler as cited by Awinsong, Dawson and Gidiglo

(2015) revealed that one of the problems with Career guidance and counseling

services was on its lack of publicity as some students weren’t Aware that it’s actually

being implemented or offered by their schools. For this reason, Adejimola And Tayo-

Olajubu (2009) concluded that counseling services in some educational institutions

Were lacking.

On the other hand, the role of guidance counselors should also be emphasized

as they contribute to the success of career guidance programs. They are the

individuals in charge of Disseminating career information to their clients or the

students (Taylor, 2007). School Counselors also play an important role in the overall

development of students concerning their Career choices (Amoah et al., 2015).

To be concise, the literature suggests that career guidance and counseling

programs can Be considered as one of the most significant factors that could help

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students determine the right Career they should engage in. Likewise, career guidance

counselors should be equipped with relevant or updated career information so that

they efficiently and effectively perform their roles As the main resource persons when

it comes to career guidance and counseling.

Career Decision-making

Pascual (2014) stresses that wrong decision-making on the career to pursue

could be the cause of increasing rate of misfit graduates. Therefore, students should be

equipped with Sufficient knowledge and effective strategies so that they could come-

up with good decisions (Kroll, as cited by Borchert, 2002). This indicates that aside

from career planning, extensive Career research before choosing a career should also

be considered by an individual to adapt with Socio-economic changes nowadays

(Wattles, as cited by Edwards and Quinter, 2011).

On the other hand, according Parsons (as cited by Ghuangpeng, 2011),

vocational or Career decision making of students should be based on three main

concepts:

1. “A clear understanding of yourself, your aptitudes, interests, ambition,

resources, Limitations, knowledge of their causes;

2. Knowledge of the requirements, conditions of success, advantages and

disadvantages, Compensation, opportunities, and prospects in different lines of

work;

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3. True reasoning on the relations of these two groups of facts.”

These three concepts gave simple guidelines for individuals who are in the

process of choosing a career, and stressed that individuals should have enough

understanding of themselves, The career they want to pursue, their career alternatives,

and how they use this knowledge in making sound decisions (Jones, as cited by

Ghuangpeng, 2011). Braza and Guillo (2015) Conform to this statement, according to

them; students should select a career which suits with their skills and abilities. If they
are knowledgeable enough, they will have a better future and Equipped with

everything they need to face their work.

K to 12 Program

A report from the Labor Force Survey in 2012 (as cited by Braza and Guillo,

2015) states That there are approximately 7.1 million Filipinos who are

underemployed because of the Congested basic education system, as well as unaided

career choices of these Filipinos while they Were in school. Because of this, the

government implemented the K to 12 Program which is Considered to be one of the

significant reforms in the Philippine Educational System (Abarro, 2016). It is in

accordance with the belief of the government that the strength of a nation relies Upon

the strength of its education system (Sergio, 2011).

According to the Department of Education (2012), the program covers

kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (six years of primary education, four

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years of Junior High School, And two years of Senior High School) to provide

sufficient time for mastery of concepts and Skills, develop lifelong learners, and

prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills Development,

employment, and entrepreneurship. In addition, before entering to college, high

School students are already given the opportunity to select from tracks and strands

offered by Schools (Official Gazette of the Philippines).

Satisfaction Level
 Satisfaction or positive feeling refers to the degree which customer

expectation of a Product or service is met or exceeded (Quinco, 2011). In students’

case, Sum, McCaskey and Kyeyune (2010) emphasized that the higher they are

satisfied with the services they receive fTheir school, the higher the possibility that

they will remain at that educational institution and Even recommend the school to

other students. Career Satisfaction on the other hand, is defined by Peterson (as cited

by Manio et al., 2017) as students’ career interest, career pleasure, and their

perception regarding the careers they Have chosen to pursue. In the context of the

Filipino students, Manio et al. (2017) suggests that Career satisfaction

indicates students’ agreement or contentment with their selected track and Strand or

Senior High School career.

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This basically implies that the services that students receive from the school and

the Outcome of their career choice could affect their level of satisfaction either

positively or Negatively.

Affecting Factors

Various factors can affect a student’s career preference for Senior High

School as well as In college. According to Hewitt (as cited by Edwards and Quinter,

2011), factors which affect the Career preference of an individual “can either be

intrinsic or intrinsic, or both.” Most individuals Choose a career based on what their
parents prefer, others follow the opportunities that have Opened for them, others

choose a career based on what they actually want without considering How much they

would earn, while others select a career that would give them high income.

The influence of a student’s social environment or the people who are around

them, Especially their parents, is one of the main factors that affect their career

choice. Students often Rely on their parent’s advice in coming up with a decision

because they want to do well for the Sake of their families (Pascual, 2014). This is

how some students show respect and appreciation

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To their parents since they are the ones who provide them financial support to

enter college (Aguado, Laguador Moreover, Aspden et al. (2015) claim that

counselors Play a significant part in the career decisions of students depending on the

information they give Them during the process of career guidance and counseling.

However, aside from social environment, the actual environment where a

student lives Can also influence his/her career choice. For instance, a student who

lives near an island may Engage in a career which can be associated with water

(Borchert, 2002).

Likewise, economic factors such as employability and availability of jobs can

influence The decision of students in selecting a career. Students ensure that jobs are

available for them After they graduate from the career they chose (Pascual, 2014).
This is because economic Activities can influence the growth of an industry, either

positively or negatively and can also Increase or decrease the job demands

(Ghuangpeng, 2011)

Another factor is on the opportunities of students, especially on the quality

and level of Education they receive (Hooley, 2012). Those who have experienced

quality education are more Likely to choose a career early. However, not all students

are given the opportunity to have access To best quality of education

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(Sear and Gordon, as cited by Gavo, 2014). Thus, some students are Having a hard

time in choosing a career.

Overall, it can be noted that career decisions of students can be influenced by

different Factors which may include their social and actual environment, the

opportunities they receive, And the jobs they could get in the future.

Related Studies

As this study focuses on the adequacy of career guidance program based on

the Perception of students and their satisfaction on their career choice, a study

conducted by Ng’eno And Magut (2014) is related. The main objective of the study

was to determine the perception of Students regarding the impact of guidance and

counseling program on the satisfaction of Vocational needs. 450 students from ten

secondary schools were selected using stratified random Sampling. The researchers
also used a self-constructed questionnaire to gather that needed data, While Statistical

Packages for Social Science (SPSS) was used to test the null hypothesis.

After the analysis of data, the researchers found out that the respondents were

uncertain Or they had a neutral perception on the impact of guidance and counseling

on satisfaction of Vocational needs. With this result, the researchers

recommended that vocational guidance Programs should be more practical and

consumer friendly so that it would be able to satisfy the Career needs of students.

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In addition, a study conducted by Manio et al. (2017) is related in terms of

students’ level Of satisfaction on their career choice. This study aimed to determine

the level of satisfaction of Students and adaptive behavior of Grade 12 students on

their chosen Senior High School career In Hipona National High School. The

researchers utilized a convenience-quota sampling where 15 student-respondents were

chosen from each stand and specialization, and given a self-Structured questionnaire.

After analyzing the gathered data, it was found out that: (1) theRespondents have high

satisfaction level on their school’s environment, and (2) there was a Positive

relationship between the students’ level of satisfaction and their adaptive behavior.

Another study done by Dabula and Makura (2013) is also related as it

investigated the Efficacy of career guidance and counseling programs among high

school students in Eastern Cape using their perceptions and lived experiences. The

study used a qualitative type of research, Where 50 participants were selected using

convenience sampling. The gathered data were Thematically analyzed. The

researchers found out that although the efficacy of the program was Not quantified,

the respondents were satisfied with the career guidance initiatives. The Respondents’
levels of understanding and self-confidence with regards to choosing a career also

Increased.

Amoah Et al. (2015) conducted a study which aimed to examine whether the

role of School counselors affect and guide students in their effort to choose a career.

Using a mixed Method approach, the study sought to answer; (1) what

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specific role of the school counselors Assist Senior High School students’ career

choice, and (2) whether there is a significant Relationship between the roles of school

counselors and career choice of students. The results of The study showed that the

students strongly agreed that career guidance and counseling, career Goal

identification, organization of career days were among the career interventions that

Influenced their career choice. Also, there was a positive correlation on the role of

counselorsAnd career choice of students. With these findings, the researchers

recommended that frequent Career programs should be done to assist students in

making informed decisions.

A study conducted by Ogunlade and Akeredolu (2011) examined the influence

of Counseling on career preference or choice of high school students. The data were

gathered using A descriptive survey, which was administered to a total of 200 students

from ten high schools in Ekiti State. After the analysis of data, the researchers arrived

with the following results:

1. Vocational or career guidance significantly influenced the vocational

aspirations of Students.

2. Gender equality was considered as a significant factor on the career choice of

Students.
 Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that counseling sessions

and career Guidance programs should be done in schools. It was also recommended

that Counselors should Try to organize visits on different factories and industries for

students to learn more about their Future careers.

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Meanwhile, Abarro (2016) conducted a study which aimed to create a

program for Senior High School in the University of Rizal System. Specifically it

sought to determine the (1) Selected career tracks and strands of the Grade 9 students

in public high school in the Division of Antipolo City and Rizal, (2) variables

associated with the career tracks and strands selected by Students.

The researcher utilized a descriptive research method and used a survey

checklist to Gather the needed data. A total of 761 students from Public High Schools

in the Division of Antipolo and Rizal served as respondents for the study.

Furthermore, the gathered data were Treated using frequency and percentage

distribution and Chi-Square test. The researcher found Out the following:

1. There is a significant relationship between the career track choices and profile

of Students in terms of sex, average monthly family income, occupation of the

head of The family, school preference, and previous academic performance.

2. There is no significant relationship between the career track choices, highest

Educational attainment of the head of the family and person influential in the

choice Of career track.

Braza and Guillo (2015) determined the career choice of high school

students in different Private institutions in San Jose Batangas as a basis for

developing a career program guide to Assist students in choosing their career.

The researcher also used a descriptive research method Together with a

 questionnaire and standardized test to gather the needed data. 189 grade 9

Students were randomly selected from the total population of 358

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students of private institution In San Jose, Batangas during the school year

2014-2015. Frequencies, percentage, ranking and mean were the statistical

tools used in the study. The researchers arrived with the following Results:

1. Majority of the respondents are interested to enroll on Academic Track as they

want To continue to college.

2. Availability of work after finishing college is primarily considered by the

respondents On choosing a career or course in college.

3. The respondents agree that their parents serve as role models in choosing a

career.

Most students’ career choices are influenced by many factors like outcome

expectancies, Individual variants such as sex, personal interests, learning experiences,

environmental factors, Etc. In addition, individuals are likely to have a successful

career if they choose a career based on Their strengths and capabilities.

Synthesis

With the information gathered by the researchers, it can be implied that

choosing a career Is indeed one of the most important decisions that students have to

make if they want to have a Successful and fulfilling life after they finish their studies.

However, despite of its future Importance, some students still do not have a clear

picture of what trial or career they should Pursue. Luckily, it was

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revealed that career guidance and counseling programs does significantly Help or

assist students in making informed career decisions.

Meanwhile, some studies have shown that students’ career choice are

affected by the Decision of their parents, their environment, opportunities they

receive, and some economicFactors, such as employability and availability of jobs. It

was also pointed out that students’ level Of satisfaction on their chosen career

increases when they experience adequate career guidance program Thus, it can be

implied that students’ level of satisfaction reveals the quality of Services they receive

from their school.

With these findings, majority of the cited studies recommended that schools

should Properly and regularly conduct career guidance and programs not only for the

benefit of theStudents’ future, but the educational institution as well.

Theoretical Framework

This study was informed by the Holland’s theory of career choice. Holland’s

(1959) theory of career choice asserts that individuals prefer to choose vocations that

give them the opportunity to be around others and relate with people of like minds.

Individuals look for environments that support their skills and knowledge, where they

can express personal principles and values, while engaging in pleasurable activities to

solve problems. The theory proposes that individual’s behavior is a result of their

personality and environment in which they live, which inform their values and interest

through personal experiences and career choices (Holland, 1992). Therefore, Holland

classified human personality into six different

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types: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising and conventional, and

clarifies how each personality type is appropriate for specific interest and work

environment (Sharf, 2013). This theory informed the study because it argues that each

individual has own unique personality which influence their tendency to choose

certain careers. Therefore, the theory was relevant to this study because at one time or

another, individuals are faced with the challenge of work-related decision and most

individuals are confronted with this issue especially when they are in secondary

school and are required to choose their subject combinations at grade 10 level, which

determines the career that they want to pursue in the future.

Definitions of terms

For clarity the terms used in the study were defined as follows:

Career choice – The broad opportunities that exists for life long vocations. These

vocations are set out in a framework of strategies moving toward personal goals.

Fields of vocational, academic, and sociological endeavors are explored for the

purpose of satisfying personal, economic, and intellectual goals.

Motivation-Forces acting on or within a person causing an initiation of behavior

(Britannica 2002) or what it is that moves us. In this study we will deal with the issues

that help or hinder students in making career choices.

Opportunity-Those choices in one’s life which are exposed either in a subtle or

obvious manner. These choices or paths give the individual a selection between two or

more outcomes. The outcomes of one’s choosing may or may not exceed one’s

present abilities.

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Personality-A characteristic way of thinking, feeling and behaving (Britannica,

2002). The personality is the collection of impressions in the appearance of the

student’s body and the impressions believed to have been made on others, good or

bad. One’s personality may embrace attitudes and opinions that affect the way we deal

with interactions of people and, in particular to this study, the situations of choosing a

career.

Quality of life-The depth in the content of richness and fullness in our day- to-day

existence. This includes observed and unobserved criteria that contribute to the

fulfillment with our expectations and aspirations.