Factors Influencing Career Choice Among the Senior High School

A Thesis in the section of Psychology and pedagogics, Faculty of educational STUDIES Submitted to the in spirt of Graduate Studies, University of Education, Winneba, in fond(p) fulfilment of the requirements for award of the Master of crop of thought (M. Phil focal point & Counselling) point JULY, 2011 DECLARATION encounter- hop on baby birdS DECLARATION I, DANIEL KWASI GAMELI AVUGLA declargon that this Thesis, with the excommunication of quotations and references contained in published run lows which absorb tot exclusivelyy being identified and punctu in anyy ac familiarityd, is entirely my feature original shit believe, and it has non been submitted, either in get or whole for a nonher degree elsew hereSIGNATURE ..DATE ..SUPERVISORS DECLARATIONI hereby decl be that the preparation and origination of this plough was supervised by me in accor bounce with the guidelines for the supervision of Thesis determined down by the University of Education, Winneba.NAME OF SUPERVISOR ..SIGNATURE ..DATE .DEDICATIONI reach this crap to my de atomic number 18st wife flush and children Albert, Elikplim and Herbert. ABSTRACT The searcher dress out come out of the closet to investigate parts that mildew go pickax among the take(postnominal) extravagantly tame students in the southwesterly Tongu District of Volta Region, Ghana, and the finale to which those factors twist students quality.Survey jut out was do. The master(prenominal) pawn apply for info appealingness was questionnaire. Simple hit-or-miss set somewhat techniques was apply to charter devil hundred students, and convenient try techniques used to select trio administrators and ternary charge and c at single tim encipher coordinators for the think e actuallywhere from the three public irregular cycle institutions in the District. Both descriptive and illative statistics were used in analysing data. The trace validity was ingrainedised use facto r epitome and reliability using Cronbachs alpha.The results of the main hypothesis and the seek questions postulated for the admit revealed that ingrained factors reliably predicted biography natural selection suggesting that Extrinsic factors and inter soulfulnessalized factors ar non signifi seatt predictors when the loads of Extrinsic factors and tender factors be earnled for. This sponsors students gather up near and search keep historys that ultimately lead to descental multitude option. This vie a critical casing in shaping students forethoughter resource.It was recomm terminate that course of challenge Education and counsellor should be introduced in the outgrowthhand naturalise to change children to explore the military man of fiddle as unfledged mass train to make a peaceful transition from primary sound to the sign years of older superior school and the Ministry of Education should allocate fund for a management and Coun selling activities in all base and arcsecond cycle schools. This streakament enable the advocate coordinators to function in achievement at their diverse aims of work.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTI am head-nigh grateful to the Almighty God for His love c atomic number 18 and mercy which has do it potential for me to comp permite this work. I as hearty manage to accognition with gratitude, the boost, corrections and centering aband wizd to me by Mrs. Mary A. Ackummey and prof M. F. Alonge, my supervisory program and co-supervisor extolively for this work to be completed. I am too grateful to Professor J. K. Aboagye, the Head of Department and Dr. Richard Ofori, the Director for enquiry at the National Centre for explore into Basic Education (NCRIBE) for their immerse attention.He wantwise became my final supervisor to make this work complete. I wish to express my gustatory perception to Messrs K. T. Agor and C. F. K. Nyadudzi, the Headmasters of Sogakope old(a) game Scho ol and Dabala Senior High Technical. And overly Rev. Father Gbordzoe, the head teacher of Comboni Technical vocational Institute for their serve wellance in allowing me to administer my questionnaires in their schools. I am grateful to Mr. C. Y. Ablana who allowed me to use his government agency during the current.Finally I wish to express my gratitude to all those who dish in diverse shipway passim the entire work for their criticism, encouragement and corrections. Special thanks go to Dr. As ar Amoah of Department of Psychology and Education who takes his time to regulate to it that the requisite corrections were carried out.TABLE OF cognitive content CONTENT PAGEDeclaration i Dedication ii solicit iii Acknowledgement iv postp adept of Content v List of Tables x List of Figures xiCHAPTER mavin1. 1 Background to the instruct 1 1. 2 Statement of the line of work 4 1. 3 Purpose of the laddering field 5 1. 4 Hypotheses 6 1. 5 Research Questions 6 1. 6 The meaning of the Study 6 1. 7Delimitation 7 1. 8 Definition of Terms 7 1. institution of the Study 8CHAPTER TWO REVIEW OF link up LITERATURE2. 1 hand overment 9 2. 2 Factors Influencing vocational prime(a) 9 2. 3 locomote finish Making 17 2. 3. 1 feature-and-Factor surmisal/ Actuarial scheme of flight Development 20 2. 3. 2 Hollands Personality Type system 23 2. . 3 Anne roes Personality/ pack executable action 28 2. 3. 4 The Ginzberg, Ginsburg, Axelrad and Herman possibility 31 2. 3. 5 Supers Self-concept surmisal 32 2. 3. 6 Four-Humors Theory 35 2. 3. 7 fond Cognitive Theory 39 2. 4 Types of travel 41 2. Barriers to passage weft 43 2. 6 The melodic line office of way and Counselling Coordinator in C argonr Choice and Development 45 2. 7 The Implications of the Study 48 2. 8 suppositious Framework of the Study 49 2. 8 digest 57CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY3. 1Introduction59 3. Research goal 59 3. 3 state 59 3. 4 Sample and Sampling routine 61 3. 5 Study world 62 3. 6 Instrumentation 62 3. 6. 1 Assessment of Validity and reliability of factors influencing students prime(prenominal) of flight questionnaire 63 3. mode of Data Collection 66 3. 8Data abstract 66CHAPTER FOUR RESULTS67 4. 1 sum-up of students Bio Data 67 4. 1. 1 hinge on statistical distri andion of Students 67 4. 1. sequence distribution of Students 68 4. 1. 3 course of take on Pursue by Students 69 4. 1. 4 Intended C atomic number 18ers of Students 70 4. 2 running gameing of Main guess 71 4. 3 Testing of adjuvant Hypotheses 73 4. 3. 1 Sex Differences in Extrinsic, Intrinsic and well-disposed Factors 73 4. 3. originate on with Differences on Extrinsic, Intrinsic and genial Factors 74 4. 4 abridgment of Qualitative Data 76 4. 4. 1 Analysis of Bio Data collected from Guidance and Counselling Coordinators and Administrators 76 4. 4. 2 Sex Distribution of Administrators and Guidance and Counselling Coordinators 77 4. 4. 3 Age Distribution of Administrators and G uidance and Counselling Coordinators 77 4. 4. Position of Respondents 78 4. 4. 5 Number of years served by the Administrators and Guidance and Counselling Coordinators in their various institutions 78 4. 5 Qualitative Analysis of Administrators and Guidance and Counselling Coordinators Data 79CHAPTER tail fin SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS88 5. 1 Discussion 88 5. . 1 The terminus to which Intrinsic Factors model Students Choice of C beer 88 5. 1. 2 The Extent to which Extrinsic Factors Influence Students Choice of Career 90 5. 1. 3 The Extent to which inter some atomic number 53al Factors Influence Students Choice of Career91 5. 1. 4 line of deeds Students face in reservation their Career Choice 92 5. 2 Summary of the Findings 93 5. 3 Conclusion 95 5. 4Recommendations 95 5. Suggestions for Further Studies 97 References 98 appendix A- Factors influencing students select of melodic phraseal root word questionnaire 105 Appendix B- validate ve rsion of factors influencing students pickaxe of liveliness history questionnaire 109 Appendix C- Open ended questionnaire for Guidance and Counselling Coordinators and Administrators 113 Appendix D- world of final year students in the three public second cycle institutions for 2010/2011 donnish Year. 117 Appendix E- Letter of Introduction 119LIST OF TABLESTable summon 2. Supers Vocational Developmental Tasks 34 2. 2 Jobs jibted and crinkles to be avoided by each temperament type 39 3. 1 Population of Administrators and Guidance and Counselling Coordinators 60 3. 2Distribution of respondents by institutions 61 3. 3Item listings and factor loadings for the four-factor principal component solution 65 4. 1 Distribution of students by intended selection 71 4. Logistic reversal model of life story survival of the fittest ( snowy-collar business enterprise & fat-collar short letter) as a function of Extrinsic, Intrinsic and Inter in- person factors. 73 4. 3 Summary statis tics and Independent-samples T-test on their influence on the 2 elicit groups 74 4. 4ANOVA constituteing the effect of age on Extrinsic factors 75 4. 5ANOVA showing the effect of age on Intrinsic factors 75 4. 6 ANOVA showing the effect of age on Inter somebody(prenominal) factors 76LIST OF FIGURESFigure Page 2. 1 Holland hexagonal model 27 2. 2 A diagram reciprocal Causation 40 2. 3 suppositious model of Career filling 57 4. 1 Sex Distribution of students. 68 4. 2 Age Distribution of students 69 4. 3 Distribution of the Respondents by Programme 70 4. 4 Age Distribution of Administrators and Guidance nd Counselling Coordinators 77 4. 5 Position of the Respondents 78 4. 6 Number of years served by the Administrators and Guidance and Counselling Coordinator in their various institutions 78CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION1. 1 Background to the Study The splendor of craftal group choice among senior eminent students foot non be over emphasized. Students at this train are mainly adoles cents who are wr etc.ed from this stage of phylogeny into braggart(a)hood. Pearson Education res germinate ( two hundred7) pay offs an adolescent as a young person, usually betwixt the ages of twelve and eighteen, who is ontogenesis into an adult.Encarta ( two hundred9) defines adolescent as, somebody in the time close preceding adulthood somebody who has reached pubescence but non yet adult. At this stage the private is utter to be going through the period of adolescence. A comprehensive instruct conducted in America by Remmers and Raddler (1957) cited in Horrocks (1962) requestd that trine of teenagers after finishing high school within six months expected to be at work, though know less(prenominal)(prenominal) rough how to shoot a undertaking, train for it and establish in it. A romp is a kind of work and a charge is time spent in one type of avocation heavens of stakes (Kelly-Plate and Volz-Patton, 1991, p. 13). Most students get under ones skin in trut h miniscule facilitate in growth a passage direction mend stable in senior high school.They are lots influenced by the media, peers, and with truly little knowledge of what they might primarily be avocationed in or motivated to do. Most of them may bewilder a level of misgiving of where to get help on how to choose a move. Since move is a lifelong plan, students at this level should be back up to enable them learn a unload knock plan as it get out be difficult for them at their age to recover things understandably roughly themselves. Thinking or make a finis approximately ones biography and do a choice is vital. Fry, Stoner and Hattwick (1998) pretend that it is never too early to dismount idea well-nigh vocations when in high school. Some students may clear clear vocation direction in reason man umteen of them lead check little clue as to which move is best for them.Fry et al, elevate said however if you are a freshman or sophomore, now is the time to begin thinking about your life beyond college p. 561. conglomerate stack choose jobs for various reasons. A lot of the great unwashed look for jobs that will pay well since everyone necessitate bullion for the staples much(prenominal) as food, clothes, accommodation, education, cheer and early(a)(a)s. For many a(prenominal) men and women, work helps define their identity and their sense of egotism-worth (Thio, 1989). They see themselves as tribe, who are responsible, who get things done and clear enough to be paid for the go they render. People take pride in the work they do. They also alike(p) the smell that comes with doing their work well.People enjoy using their skills, talents and works hard to improve those skills. People work to be utilizable, by work mass feel that they are contributing their quota to the development of the party. They may work to take care of themselves and their family or work to help some oppositewise slew in the societ y. Most good deal choose jobs that will enable them move with others. For example, journalism, teaching, and selling enable one to act with a whole lot of people. They do not like to be merely for a long period. Their job gives them the chance to be with others and talk to people. It is clear that work fulfils many key take ins and until now those who become rich overnight still work.Since no one special(prenominal) job satisfies all postulate, the right job stooge be satisfying in a very special way, and that is why it is outstanding to think carefully about ones own wants, needs, interests and abilities before do a choice. iodine needs not to joke about his choice of charge. operative should not be just occupying oneself. OToole (1973), cited in (Thio, 1989, p. 444) opines that People with satisfying jobs have punter mental wellness than those with less satisfying work. Thus, people who are joyful with their jobs also tend to have get out physical health and to live longer. Although diet, exercise, medical exam examination care and genetics are all related to the incidence of heart disease, job dis satisfaction is more closely linked to the driving force of death. all(prenominal) someoneistic is set about with choosing among the mountainous areas of assembly lineal cluster of work.Such as agri polish, business and office, communication and media, health, hospitality and recreation, manufacturing, marine learning, construction, arts, kind-heartedness and sciences, bag sparings, selling and distribution, natural resources and surroundings, personal operate, public service, and transportation. Rao (1992) cited in Kankam & Onivehu ( two hundred0) identified two factors that call for centering and direction run or activities in unessential schools one of which is the making of academic choice that in the end determines the vocational future. The origin of vocational guidance sess be traced to the get together States of Ame rica. educational guidance originated from the development of vocational guidance run.In 1908 the Vocational Bureau of capital of Massachusetts was formed under the auspices of an American lawyer and educator Frank Parsons to assist young men make vocational choices ground on their occupational aptitudes and interest (Fruehling, two hundred8). Guidance began to diffuse as a result of Parsons ideas. Brewer (1942) cited in archer (1997) put across four conditions that work together to bring about the fount and development of vocational guidance. These are variableness of labour, the growth of technology, the extension of vocational education, and the spread of modern forms of democracy. The four elements listed in a higher place were however, intensify by the First World fight which led to the shortage of skilled manpower.Though in Ghana vocational/technical can be traced back to the 19th hundred when two the Basel and Wesleyan missionaries made a shift from the initial thre e Rs reading, writing and arithmetic to plain and technical curriculum (Hama, 2003), guidance in Ghana started in 1955 when the Ministry of Labour, Education and mixer Wel utmoste came together and established offspring Employment Department. Its aim was to cater for the needs of the unemployed middle school leavers beneath the age of twenty years. By 1960, thither were about thirty of much(prenominal) centres in the res publica (Ackummey, 2003). 1. 2 Statement of the Problem Searching for a job, life story cooking and deciding on what to choose pass an authoritative role in students go choices. legion(predicate) students ofttimes are faced with un certain(prenominal)(p)ty and stress as they make course choices. Many of them do not make up to(predicate) investigate on their own life history nor do they receive adequate directions from their school guidance coordinators. Most of them are not aware of what goes into public life choice. Many young go into unsuitable flights cod to ignorance, inexperience, peer pressure, advice from friends, parents and teachers or as a result of the prestige attached to certain jobs without adequate vocational guidance and line of achievement counselling. Lawer (2007) researched on assessing the effectiveness of calling guidance in senior supplemental schools in Kumasi Metropolitan District.He concluded that bulk of students were not aware of major occupation groups in Ghana, knowledge of training and qualification necessary for employment in the various occupations, conditions of work, earning and other rewards of occupation, and did not have better soul of their go interest, aptitudes and abilities. This all the way shows that legal age of them were not touch on about their future flight. This bureau compels one to ask whether they are addicted the mandatory guidance on visible(prenominal) occupational groups relating to the programmes they are pursuing. Are they aware of what goes into rush cho ice? And what ad hoc factors influence their choice and how do those factors influence them? This see because seeks to find out the extent to which constitutional, extrinsic, and social factors influence the choice of calling of senior high students. 1. 3 Purpose of the StudyThe break up of this study is to get a line those factors that influence students finding concerning choice of go in the south to the highest degree Tongu District and the extent to which these factors influence their choices. In gain, the study seeks to examine the differences amidst intrinsic factors, extrinsic factors, and social factors in making career choice. It will also travail to find out worrys encountered by students in making their career choices. 4. Hypotheses The study want to test a logistic regression model in which Intrinsic, Extrinsic and Interpersonal factors are assumed to influence students career (blue/ gabardine collar jobs) in the senior high schools.The pursuit supplem entary hypotheses were also tested 1. on that point will be substantial sex differences in Extrinsic, Intrinsic, and Interpersonal factors. 2. There will be world-shaking age differences in Extrinsic, Intrinsic, and Interpersonal factors. 1. 5 Research Questions The quest research questions were also used to guide the police detective to trickle out the study. 1. To what extent do Intrinsic factors influence students choice of career? 2. To what extent do Extrinsic factors influence students choice of career? 3. To what extent do Interpersonal factors influence students choice of career? 4. What problems do students face in making their career choices? 1. The Significance of the Study Many factors put on career choices of senior high school students. Identifying these factors would give parents, educators, and industry an idea as to where students place approximately of their trust in the career selection process. It will not only management on factors influencing career ch oice among students in the sec Tongu District, but also highlight career conclusion making tools that have implications for career counselling. In addition, it will equally furnish an modify study into how intrinsic, extrinsic and social factors influence career choice for others who wish to gain research into this area of study. 1. 7 DelimitationThe study focuses on what goes on in the South Tongu District instead of looking at the country as a whole, consequently its application to the country or larger nation may not be reliable. 1. 8 Definition of Terms For the train of this study the pursuance operational definitions will be used Intrinsic factors accommodate interest in the job and temperament that satisfies work. In the broader sense they are sanctioned and essential features which form part of soul kind of than because of his or her association. Extrinsic factors complicate availability of jobs and how well an occupation pays or brings benefit. They also inc lude those essential features as a result of the individuals associations or consequences.Interpersonal factors include the influence of parents and significant others. It is concerned or twisty kins in the midst of people. Career is a pattern of work related to preparations and experiences which is carried through a persons life. Job is a meet of work carried out for a pay. make water physical and mental effort tell towards doing something. It is a job in the broader sense. Student refers to a learner in a senior high school. 1. 9 organic law of the Study The whole study was arrange in five main chapters.The firstly chapter deals with the background to the study, the statement of the problem, the determination of the study, hypotheses, and the implication of the study, delimitations, and definition of terms. The second chapter revueed related literatures that are applicable to the study. It take ins the preceding studies on the topic. It includes other areas like factors influencing career choice, career decision-making, types of career- blue/white collar jobs, barriers to career choice, the role of guidance co-ordinators in career choice, counselling implication of the study, suppositional framework of the study, and the summary of the literature follow-up.Chapter three focuses on the mannerology, the research normal, population, sample and sampling procedure, instrumentation- validity, reliability and method of ingathering data and its digest. Chapter four deals with data mystifyation and epitome, and finally, the fifth chapter covers discussion, summary of the major findings, conclusions, recommendations and suggestions for future study. CHAPTER TWO REVIEW OF cerebrate LITERATURE 2. 1 Introduction This chapter deals with the review of related literature. It was organized under the undermentioned sub-headings factors influencing vocational choice, career decision-making, Types of career- blue/white collar jobs, barriers to caree r choice, the role of guidance coordinators in vocational guidance, counselling implications of the study, and the theoretical framework of the study.It ends with the summary of the literature review done. 2. 2 Factors Influencing Vocational Choice stripling occupational choice is influenced by many factors, including intrinsic, extrinsic and interpersonal factors. Kankam & Onivehu (2000) indicate talented ability, aptitudes, the school, family, constitution, vanity, values, interest, and environsal influences as factors that influence peoples choice of career. In the equivalent year, Bedu-Addo (2000) states the following as factors influencing career choice intellectual ability, aptitudes, the school, family, character, self concept and self esteem, values, interest, and environmental influences.Similarly, Taylor and Buku (2006) also state abilities, needs and interests, stereotype/prestige, values, the school/educational attainment, family/ enatic, perspective, and aspirat ion. Mankoe (2007) lists the following as factors that influence peoples choice of career peoples interests, abilities and personalities, peoples occupational preferences, life and work satisfaction, and employment variables. Jones and Larke (2001) researched on factors influencing career choice of African American and Latino graduates of a Land-grant College of Agriculture. The propose of this study was to identify and describe the factors that were related to African American and Hispanic graduates decisions to choose (or not to choose) a career in agriculture or a related field preliminary to or after college.The population for this study was all African American and Hispanic graduates who received a first degree in an agriculture-related field at Texas A & M University between May 1990 and celestial latitude 1997. Five hundred and fifty-one questionnaires were get off to respondents. The research design applied was Ex post facto and both descriptive and inferential statistic s were used. The findings revealed that, various commonalities and differences existed among the two groups. When respondents enrolled in their first agriculture-related course did not have a major effect on their fortune that they will select an agriculture-related career. However, the role of significant others and specific job-related factors is validated in this study.But having people who were not white to encourage respondents to consider an agriculture related career, emergenced respondents likeliness of pursuing an agriculture-related career. Respondents were more likely to succeed an agriculture-related career if their fathers occupation was agriculture-related. Parents level of education did not play a critical role in the respondents choosing an agriculture-related career. Salary was not considered to have an intrusion on respondents choice of their current career nor on their choice of agriculture as a career. But having limited job opportunities in agriculture led respondents to choose other careers. Likewise, retirement plan and job opportunities impacted respondents selection of a career.Issa and Nwalo (2005) conducted a research on factors affecting the career choice of undergraduates in Nigerian program library and training knowledge Schools. Data were analysed for frequency and percentageage using the cross-tabs sub-programme of the SPSS. The study revealed that majority did not make the course as their first choice but ended up in the Library School as a last resort. However, those who did were influenced somely by previous library work experience. Available sources of teaching on the course include parents/relations and peers. There are slightly more male librarianship students than females, indicating its popularity among both sexes. That 46. 9% of them were in the 22-26 age sustain showed that the younger undergraduates constitute the majority.The study concludes that notwithstanding the evidence of improved popularity of th e programme among the respondents, it form largely unpopular among prospective undergraduates in Nigeria when compared with such other courses as Accountancy, euphony and Law. It thus recommends that public awareness about the profession and the programme be intensify by all stakeholders if it must realise some of the best brains in the country who can meet the challenges of the 21st degree centigrade librarianship in Nigeria. This work was uniform to that of Jones and Larke (2001) in purpose, sample and method except that while Jones and Larke focused on African American and Hispanic graduates of college of agriculture, that of Issa and Nwalo concentrated on undergraduates in Nigerian Library and Information Science Schools. The research design applied and instrument used would be relevant to the beat study.Myburgh (2005) researched on an empirical abstract of career choice factors that influence first-year news report students at the University of Pretoria a cross-racial study. This cross- ethnic study examined the career choices of Asian, bneediness and white students at the University of Pretoria to identify the factors make Accountancy students to become lease accountants (CA) as only two and halve percent (609) of 24, 308 registered leased accountants in South Africa in 2005 were black, and only six percent (1,573) were Indian. sagaciousness the attitudes and the perceptions of CA first-year students can help course administrators/curriculum designers to align marketing and recruiting strategies with specific personal ccupational preferences of distinct racial groups enrolled for local CA courses. Survey design was used. Questionnaires are used in collecting data with a sample population of 550 and descriptive statistics used in analysis data collected. The finding revealed that performance in Accounting at school and the advice of parent, relatives and school teachers greatly influenced the students decision to become chartered accountants . All the three racial groups ranked availability of employment as the most main(prenominal) benefit of CA career and the employment protective covering as the second most important. The be of education and the obstruction of throw outing as a chartered accountant were identified as a problem.The purpose, sample and method used in data collection were similar to that of the above authors except that he focused on first year Accounting Students of the University of Pretoria. His finding on cost of education as a problem was similar to that of Amedzor (2003) and Borchert (2002). The methodological analysis used here would be relevant to the current work. Trauth, Quesenberry & Huang (2008) researched into A Multi hea and soish Analysis of Factors Influencing Career Choice for Women in the Information Technology (IT) Workforce. This article presents an analysis of cultural/actors influencing the career choices of women in the IT workforce. They employed the individual differences possibleness of sexuality and IT as a theoretical lens to analyze a qualitative data set of interviews with 200 women in different countries.The themes that emerged from this analysis blab out to the influence of cultural attitudes about maternity, childcare, enatic care and functional outside the home on a womans choice of an IT career. In addition, several redundant socio-cultural factors served to add further chance variable to gendered cultural influences gendered career norms, social class economic opportunity, and gender stereotypes about aptitude. These results lend further empirical jut to the emergent individual differences theory of gender and IT that endeavours to theorize within-gender variation with respect to issues related to gender and IT. They also point to areas where educational and workplace interventions can be enacted.This work was similar to others as far as purpose is concerned however, it focused just on women in the Information Technology Workforce. Borchert (2002) researched on career choice factors of high School Students. It aimed at finding out how influential were factors of disposition, environment and opportunities in making career choice. The purpose of the study was to identify the most important factor within these three factors that 2002 Germantown High School senior students used in deciding upon career choices. A look into was the selected instrument device with a sample population of 325 and both descriptive statistics were used in analysing data collected. The finding revealed that, character factors were identified as most important in choosing career.Environmental factors were not significant in making their choice, though they did not show outright disregard for them. There are opportunities for educational facilities and industries where students find themselves intellectually suffice for certain areas but lacked money needed to complete their training. His finding on lack of money to complete their traini ng was similar to that of Amedzor (2003) and Myburgh (2005). The research design used, data collection procedure, and areas of assessing students choice were related to the present work. ferry (2006) researched into Factors Influencing Career Choices of Adolescents and Young Adults in hobnailed pop.The qualitative study reported here explored factors that play key roles in bucolic high school seniors and young adults career choice process. Interview was used in collecting data from 12 focus groups from 11-county rural areas in the central Pennsylvania using purposeful sampling. The cultural and social context of family and community were found to be instrumental in how youth learn about careers and influential in the choice process. The economic and social circumstances of the broader community coloured and influenced the youth perceptions of appropriate career choice. Extension strategies that target parents and community to increase their involvement in youth career selection can promote punishing career decisions. This work was similar to that of Borchert (2002).However, it used interview and concentrated on a focus group. The areas of assessing students choice were related to the present work. Adjin (2004) researched into career choice in senior secondary schools a case study of Sogakope petty(a) and Dabala Secondary Technical Schools in the Volta Region of Ghana and used descriptive research design. He focused on factors that influence career choice, how proficient are the counsellors in handling students vocational problems in making career choice and shipway of improving career/vocational education. He made use of stratified sampling with a sample population of 200 respondents and descriptive statistics was used in analysis of data.The result of the study showed that interest was the most motivating factor that influenced career choice among students in Sogakope Senior Secondary and Dabala Secondary Technical Schools considering ability, interes t, monetary reward, and prestige. Also majority of the students of Sogakope and Dabala second cycle schools received help from their parents/guardians in choosing career and some gave no reason for making their choices. Responses collected also indicated that there were guidance coordinators in the schools who organised talks on career choice, decision making and neat study habits. However, other areas like problem solving, field trips/visit, group guidance/counselling, individual counselling were not all effective. His work was similar to that of Borchert (2002), Amedzor (2003), Annan (2006) and Edwards and Quinter (2011) in purpose, method and target group.By contrast previous research by Amedzor (2003) and subsequent researches by Annan (2006) and Edwards & Quinter (2011) showed prestige, temperament, and improvement opportunities and learning experiences respectively as the most important factors that influence choice. The research design, instrument used and the areas covere d in this work were similar to the present study. Amedzor (2003) researched on career guidance needs of young secondary two pupils in Ho Township basic schools and used descriptive go off design. It focused on career guidance needs of adolescents in the basic schools, factors that militate against effective guidance services and factors that facilitate the delivery of guidance services in schools. She used simple ergodic sampling and sample population of 200 respondents and descriptive statistics used in analysis of data.Her research showed that, prestige was the most important factor that influences career choice of students in Ho Township considering prestige, personal interest, and parental influence. And they also need monetary support for training towards their chosen careers. Most of them share the view that they need an expert to counsel them on how to choose, train, enter and be established in a career. Majority of the coordinators were not train, and guidance activitie s were below average and students were not willing to shape up the coordinators. Her areas of assessment are covered in the current study. Though, the researcher looked at factors that influence choice like others, it mainly focused on identifying career guidance needs of junior secondary two pupils.The sampling procedure, research design and instrument used were similar to the present study. Annan (2006) examined factors affecting career choice among senior secondary school students in Shama Ahanta einsteinium Metropolis and used descriptive survey design. He used simple stochastic sampling and sample population of 200 respondents and also used descriptive statistics in analysis of data. This study revealed that disposition was most influential factor that influenced career choice among senior secondary students in Ahanta vitamin E Metropolis and significant others as the to the lowest degree factor taking into consideration (ability, personality, natural benefit, home back ground, gender factors, and significant others).Adolescents have difficulties in how to choose a career and there was adolescent male gender biased in career choice as compared to female counterparts. It was similar to that of Borchert (2002), Amedzor (2003), Adjin (2004), Annan (2006) and Edwards and Quinter (2011) in purpose, method, and target group. The methodology used and the purpose of the study relate to the current work. Edwards and Quinter (2011) researched on Factors Influencing Students Career Choices among Secondary School students in Kisumu Municipality, Kenya. The purpose of this study was to examine factors influencing career choice among form four secondary school students in Kisumu municipality, Kenya. The study was conducted using descriptive survey design with a population of 332 students.The data for this study was collected using questionnaire and interview schedules. The findings of this study indicate that availability of advancement opportunities and learnin g experiences are the most influential factors affecting career choices among students. While males reported learning experiences and career flexibility as the most influential factors, females however reported availability of advancement opportunity and opportunity to apply skills as the most influential factors. However, no disagreement was reported for persons influencing career choice by gender. The methodology used and the purpose of the study relate to the current work.Despite the fact that overmuch has been written about the individual variables influencing career choice, the literature review however, revealed that very little empirical studies on this subject field of study exist especially regarding the factors influencing career choice among senior high students in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region, Ghana and the differences that exist among these factors. This study will, so, serve to fill up the lacking(p) gap in this aspect of the literature. 2. 3 Caree r Decision Making Decision making can defined as an act of choice by which an executive director selects one particular course of action from among possible alternatives for the attainment of a desired end or as a solution to a specific problem (Attieku, Dorkey, Marfo-Yiadom & Tekyi, 2006). It involves conscious or unconscious attempt at making a choice out of competing alternatives. It implies selecting from alternative policies, procedures, and programmes.Career decision making is vital as the country is faced with the problem of unemployment which is the result of poverty and other social vices in the country. The previous presidential term introduced the Youth Employment Programme to get across the situation. It aimed at facilitating job creation and placement of youth in the various economic ventures as well as social services in all districts throughout the country. The programme consists of ten modules out of the JHS/SHS graduates qualify to undertake 1. Youth in Agri- ve xation 2. alliance Protection System 3. Waste and sanitization Management Corps 4. Auxiliary wellness Care Workers Assistants (Micah, 2007). However was this able to kill off the problem of unemployment? For the hild to make a better decision about choice of career he must be helped in the areas below Self awareness educational awareness Career awareness Career exploration, and Career mean and decision making (Gibson & Mitchell, 1995). Self awareness Each child must be aware of and respect his/her uniqueness at an early age as human beings. Knowledge about ones aptitude, interests, values, personality traits, abilities and others is very essential in the development of concepts related to self and the use of these concepts in career exploration (value clarification, group guidance films and video tapes written assignments and interchangeable test).Puplampu (1998) posit that for one to make dear choices, he needs career guidance or career counselling, needs to be aware of h im/her self, and to have knowledge of occupations and options available. Educational awareness It is very essential in career planning for one to be aware of the birth between self, educational opportunities and the world of work (group guidance, games related to hobbies and recreation, steer activities). Career awareness Students at all levels of education should be assisted to have a continuous expansion of knowledge and awareness about the world of work. At each level students should be assisted to develop recognition of the relationships between values, life styles and careers (through films, career days, interest inventory).They are to be aware of relationships between desirable school habit responsibility, punctuality, efforts, positive human relationships and good worker traits. Career exploration This represents a well designed, planned inquiry and analysis of career that are of interest. Comparisons, reality testing, and standardised testing, and estimatorised programmes may be useful. Career planning and decision making Students at this level are to be helped to take control of their life and become an active constituent for shaping their own future. They need to constringe down their career possibility and then move on to examine and test these options as critically as possible.Students need to be aware of the process of decision making and choosing between competitive alternatives, examining the consequences of specific choices, the value of compromise, and implementing a decision. Students are to fuck the impact of their current plan and decision making on their future. Knowledge about the above helps students to make informed decision and enable then to cope with career development tasks posed by the society during their school period. Students at this level are influenced by what they see virtually them- family, friends, neighbours, televisions or in movies. That is why experts suggest that students need to be aware of themselves, and the world around them in rule to fully understand and make use of information about their individual interests and what exist beyond their present(prenominal) world.It is helping them to explore their likes and dislikes, expand their apprehensiveness of the world at large, and enhance their knowledge of how business works. The whole aim is to leave students with the broadest opportunity to learn and grow. In addition to the above, the following theories will also help the individual to be equipped with personality factors, environmental factors and other factors that influences choice of career. 1. Trait-and-factor Theory 2. washstand Holland Career Choice Typology 3. Anne roe Personality/Need Theory 4. The Ginzberg, Ginsburg, Axelrad and Herman Theory 5. Donald Supers Developmental/self-concept Theory 6. Four- Humors Theory 7. Social-Cognitive Theory 2. 3. 1 Trait and Factor/Actuarial Theory of Career DevelopmentIt is also called hauling or actuarial approach. It is referred t o as the oldest theoretical approach to career development and Parsons as the originator (Kankam & Onivehu, 2000). It is based on the measurement of individual characteristics denoted as traits and factors. Traits refer to characteristics typical of the individual over time, relatively stable, consistent in situations and provide a buns for measuring, describing and predicting behaviour. Factor refers to a construct which represents a group of traits that match with each other. Williamson (1939, 1949) cited in Zunker (1990) was one of the bad advocate of trait-and-factor counselling.Utilization of Williamsons counselling procedures well-kept the early impetus of trait-and-factor approach evolving from the works of Parsons. Even when integrated into other theories of career guidance, the trait-and factor approach plays a very important role. Some of the basic assumptions that be the trait-and-factor theory are 1) Every person has a unique pattern of traits made up of interests, values, abilities and personality characteristics, these traits can be objectively identified and pro showd to represent an individuals potential 2) Every occupation is made up of factors required for the roaring performance of that occupation.These factors can be objectively identified and represented as an occupational profile 3) It is possible to identify a fit or match between individual traits and job factors using a continuous forward problem-solving/decision making process. 4) The closer the match between personal traits and job factors the greater the likelihood for productive job performance and satisfaction. Some assumptions of this theory by Miller, and Klein and Wiener are below Miller a) Vocational development is a cognitive process b) Occupation is a single event choice is greatly stressed over development c) There is a single right occupation for everyone there is no recognition that a worker might fit well into a number of occupations. ) Single person works in eac h job one person- one job relationship e) Everyone has an occupational choice (http//faculty. tamu. trading. educ/crrobinson/512/tandf. htm) Klein & Wiener a) Each individual has a unique set of traits that can be measured reliably and validly. b) Occupation require that workers possess certain traits for success c) Choice of occupation is straight forward process and matching is possible d) The closer the match between personal characteristics and job requirements, the greater the likelihood for success-productivity and satisfaction (http//faculty. tamu. commerce. educ/crrobinson/512/tandf. htm) It called for clear understanding of oneself.Knowledge of job requirements, conditions of success, and received reasoning in relation to these two groups of facts. This theory is used by many career practitioners in one form or another. Many of the aptitude, personality and interest tests and information materials that emerged from this approach have involved and remain in use up to now e . g. General Aptitude Test Battery, occupational profiles and ever expanding estimator-based career guidance programmes. Trait-and- factor theory is criticised as not able to produce a complete(a) match between people and jobs (Walsh, 1990) and became increasingly unpopular in the 1970s, describe as going into incipient decline (Crites, 1981).In essence, the trait-and-factor approach is far too narrow in scope to be considered as a major theory of career development. However, we should substantiate that standardized assessment and occupational analysis procedures stressed in trait-and-factor approaches are useful in career counselling (Zunker, 1990). In addition to the above, trait-and-factor theory focuses on personality factors without considering the influence of environmental factor like availability of jobs to match the individuals trait and interpersonal factors in career choice. And can not provide enough bases for the current studies. 2. 3. 2 John Hollands Vocational Pers onalityJohn Hollands theory shows that there is a match between an individuals career choice and his or her personality and numerous variables that form their background (Zunker, 1990). According to this theorist, once individuals find a career that fits their personality, they are more likely to enjoy that particular career and to stay in a job for a longer period of time than individuals whose work do not suit their personality. He groups individuals into six basic personality types. Hollands theory rests on four assumptions 1. In our culture, persons can be categorized as one of the following Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. 2.There are six modal environments possible, fact-finding, chaste, social, industrious and conventional. 3. People search for environments that will let them exercise their skills and abilities, express their attitudes and values, and take on agreeable problems and roles. 4. Behaviour is determined by an action between personality and environment (Bedu-Addo, 2000). According to Holland, realistic personality types are practical, stable, self-controlled, independent and down to earth. They enjoy working with their hands, especially in projects which allow one to be physically active, they may be a doer. These individuals are physically salubrious and have very little social know-how.They are oriented towards practical careers such as labour, farmer, truck driver, mechanic, construction work, direct or surveyor, landscape architect, aircraft mechanic, dental technician, electrician, athletic trainer, carpenter, licensed practical nurse, archaeologist, hairdresser, physical therapist, dressmaker, cut fighter, caterer, plumber, x-ray technician, etc. According to him, the investigative personality types are conceptually and theoretically oriented. Investigators are observant and curious about things around them. Typically they are meddlesome and intellectually self-confident as well as qu ite logical. They delight in situations that call for creative or analytical approach. They are thinkers rather than doers. They enjoy working on their own. They are best meet for careers that offer clearly defined procedures, research and the chance to explore a massive range of ideas are the best choices for investigating people, e. g. ractical nursing, medical lab assistant, pharmacist, ecologist, math teacher, medical technologist, research analyst, surgeon, dietician, physician, police detective, veterinarian, meteorologist, horticulturist, dentist, computer analyst, science teacher, technical writer, science lab technician, computer system analyst, military analyst, college professor, lawyer, consumer researcher, astronomer, computer security specialist, horticulture, emergency medical technology, respiratory therapy, functional technology, dental assistant, water and waste technology, computer languages, computer sciences, economics, biochemistry, geology. According to Ho lland, artistic personality types are original, innovative, imaginative, and creative. They prefer situations that are relatively nstructured and interact with their world through artistic expression, avoiding conventional and interpersonal situations in many instances. They do well as painters, writers, or musicians, artist, English teacher, drama coach, music teacher, graphic designer, advertizement manager, fashion illustrator, interior decorator, photographer, journalist, reporter, cosmetologist, librarian, museum curator, cartographer, dance instructor, entertainer, performer, architect, etc. According to theorist, social personality types are understandable, friendly and people oriented. These individuals often have good verbal skills and interpersonal relations. They are helpers and enjoy jobs that let them interact with people.They are well equipped to enter professions such as teacher, social worker, counsellor, youth services worker, recreation director, physical therapis t, occupational therapist, extension agent, therapist, teacher, military unit director, funeral director, minister, chamber of commerce executive, athletic coach, claims adjuster, parole officer, attorney, sales representative, seaworthiness instructor, cosmetologist, paramedic, mental health specialist, social worker, nurse, dietician, information clerk, child care worker, travel agent, airway personnel, receptionist, waiter/waitress, office worker, home health aide, career counsellor, etc. According to him, energetic personality types are gregarious, dominant and adventurous. They are generally extroverted and will often initiate projects involving many people and are good at convincing people to do things their way. They have strong interpersonal skills and enjoy work that brings them into contact with people.They are best counselled to enter career such as real estate appraiser, florist, lawyer, TV/radio announcer, branch manager, lobbyist, insurance manager, personnel recrui ter, office manager, travel agent, advertising agent, advertising executive, politician, business manager. According to Holland, conventional personality type refers to those individuals who show a dislike for unstructured activities. They enjoy collecting and organizing information in effective and practical way. They are often like being part of large companies though not inevitably in leadership positions. They enjoy crocked routines and following clearly defined procedures.They are best suited for jobs as subordinates, banker, file clerks, accountant, Business teacher, bookkeeper, actuary, librarian, proof reader, administrative assistant, opinion manager, estimator, cad operator, reservations agent, bank manager, cartographer cost analyst, court reporter, medical secretary, auditor statistician, financial analyst, safety inspector, tax consultant, insurance insurance underwriter , computer operator, medical lab technologist, cashier, hotel clerk, etc. It has been employed a s popular assessment tools such as the Self-Directed Search, Vocational Preference Inventory and Strong lodge in Inventory. Dictionary of Holland occupational Code came as a result of Hollands work. John Holland created a hexagonal model that shows the relationship between the personality types and environments. pic Figure 2. 1 Holland Hexagonal Model It could be observe that the personality types close to each other are more alike than those further away.We can see this most clearly when we compare the personalities diametric each other, on the hexagon. For example, read the description of the types for Realistic and Social. You will see that they are virtually the opposite of each other. On the other hand, Social and Artistic are not that far apart. Holland topology is based on the following key concepts Congruence it refers to the degree of fit between an individuals personality orientations and actual or contemplated work environment. One is believed to be more satisfied with his career and can perform better if he is in a congruent work environment. Consistency it refers to the degree of relationship between types or the various classifications.Types that are bordering on the hexagon have more in common than types that are opposite. For instance, the conventional type might be more realistic and enterprising than be artistic. Differentiation it is the arrangement of differences or a difference among two or more things. It refers to the degree to which a person or his environment is clearly defined. Vocational identity extent to which a person has a clear self perception of his or her characteristics and goals, and to the degree of constancy which an occupational environment provides.Hollands theory is criticised as basically descriptive with focus on explanation of casual basis of time period in development of hierarchies of the personal model styles. He was concerned with factors that influence career choice rather than development process that l eads to career choice (Zunker, 1990). This theory focus mainly on how a personality can be matched with a career rather than how other factors like environmental and/or interpersonal factors influence the individuals choice. It is therefore limited as far as the current research is concerned. 2. 3. 3 Anne Roes Personality/Need Theory Akinade, Sokan and Oserenren (1996) posit that this theory see ones need as the main determinant of the nature of an individuals interests including vocational interest.This theorist was of the view that career choice is based on childishness orientation or experience at home to satisfy needs and that people choose occupation that satisfies important needs. This theory attempts to understand, make meaning of, and utilize individual motives, purposes and drives to support career development. She believed work can satisfy needs in different ways hence classification of occupation into eight groups. According to Roe (1956) cited in Zunker (1990), the firs t five can be classified as person-oriented and the last three as non-person oriented. 1. Service (something for another person) 2. Business contact (selling and supplying services) 3. Organisation (management in business, industry and government) 4.Technology (product maintenance, transportation of commodities ) 5. Outdoors (cultivating, preserving natural resources) 6. Science (scientific theory and its application) 7. General culture (preserving and transmitting cultural heritage) & 8. Arts and entertainment (creative art and entertainment) Anne Roes theory was based on Abraham Maslows pecking order of needs stated in this order 1. Physiological needs 2. Safety needs 3. Need for belongingness and love 4. Need for importance, respect, self-esteem and independence 5. Need for information 6. Need for understanding 7. Need for beauty and aesthetic 8. Need for self-actualization