Centre for Excellence in Career Management

Socio-economic changes have altered the relationship between organisations and their employees. For many organisations the traditional psychological contract, based on an exchange of lifelong employment and steady career progress in return for commitment and loyalty, no longer fits with their strategic objectives. Increasing needs for adaptability, flexibility and creativity in responding to global markets and customers have resulted in new career patterns.

Also from the perspective of the employee there is a changing attitude towards the employment relationship. Organisations can no longer consider the commitment of their employees as a given – they have to earn it. Offering the right mix of employment conditions has become a necessity in stimulating commitment and willingness to use one’s talents for the sake of the company. Moreover, demographic changes in the workforce will force organisations to anticipate to shortages on the labour market in the forthcoming years and to prepare themselves for a new "war for talent".

The challenge to HR managers is to attract competent employees, to develop them and keep them committed to the company goals, whilst at the same time offering no guarantees for continuous upward movement within the company.

The Centre for Excellence in Career Management of Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School aims to tackle these important HR-issues.