Navigating Complexity and Uncertainty: Rethinking ‘Career Scripts’ in a Dynamic World

The concept of 'career scripts' has garnered significant scholarly attention since the early 2000s, notably becoming the central theme of a dedicated symposium at the Academy of Management in 2012. However, profound changes in the nature of work, organizational structures, and the broader organizational context have reshaped the framework within which 'career scripts' are understood and applied. As careers become increasingly diverse and constrained, recent research has introduced divergent perspectives on 'career scripts', further complicating the theoretical clarity of the concept. In particular, key debates persist regarding the dimensions of career scripts, the levels at which they can be identified, and their role in mediating the interplay between agency and structure. This symposium brings together an internationally diverse group of scholars to explore the complexities of contemporary careers and enhance the theoretical and practical potential of 'career scripts' as a framework for capturing this complexity. It comprises four paper presentations that investigate 'career scripts' across various contexts, followed by a structured discussion. Specifically, this symposium aims to: (1) deepen understanding of the dynamic interplay between agency and structure in shaping individual career trajectories; (2) address methodological challenges encountered in applying the concept of 'career scripts'; (3) illuminate the career challenges faced by specific populations; (4) enhance the analytical potential of 'career scripts'; and (5) propose new directions for future research in career studies.