Life's chances and choices: a study of entrapment in career decisions with particular reference to Becker's side-bets theory
Life's chances and choices: a study of entrapment in career decisions with particular reference to Becker's side-bets theory
This paper explores a phenomenon known as entrapment. Entrapment refers to situations where people become “locked into” decisions through the passage of time as distinct from actively re-investing in failing projects. The present study examines Becker’s so called “side bets” theory which suggests that entrapment results from extraneous investments made during the course of employment. The exploration is conducted via two contrasting case studies of solicitors, one successful, the other unsuccessful. Analysis suggests some support for Becker’s theme. More importantly the study reveals that post hoc rationalization of events plays an important part in sustaining persistence. This insight raises a question. Do people become trapped by events as Becker suggests, or, do they largely imprison themselves?
decision making, careers, commitment
186-202
Drummond, Helga
49f36db0-c09f-4711-85af-45ac3456c24f
Chell, Elizabeth
2e65975f-25fb-4431-a2f3-632306769699
2001
Drummond, Helga
49f36db0-c09f-4711-85af-45ac3456c24f
Chell, Elizabeth
2e65975f-25fb-4431-a2f3-632306769699
Drummond, Helga and Chell, Elizabeth
(2001)
Life's chances and choices: a study of entrapment in career decisions with particular reference to Becker's side-bets theory.
Personnel Review, 30 (2), .
(doi:10.1108/00483480110380343).
Abstract
This paper explores a phenomenon known as entrapment. Entrapment refers to situations where people become “locked into” decisions through the passage of time as distinct from actively re-investing in failing projects. The present study examines Becker’s so called “side bets” theory which suggests that entrapment results from extraneous investments made during the course of employment. The exploration is conducted via two contrasting case studies of solicitors, one successful, the other unsuccessful. Analysis suggests some support for Becker’s theme. More importantly the study reveals that post hoc rationalization of events plays an important part in sustaining persistence. This insight raises a question. Do people become trapped by events as Becker suggests, or, do they largely imprison themselves?
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Published date: 2001
Keywords:
decision making, careers, commitment
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Local EPrints ID: 35656
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/35656
ISSN: 0048-3486
PURE UUID: ffc4a7ef-ef46-479b-85bc-2b3f805274d6
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Date deposited: 22 May 2006
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 07:53
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Author:
Helga Drummond
Author:
Elizabeth Chell
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