Supporting Australian veteran transition: career construction through a person-environment fit perspective

Karen Becker; Adelle Bish; Dan Abell; Matthew McCormack; Michelle Smidt

doi:10.1080/09585192.2022.2077127

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Supporting Australian veteran transition: career construction through a person-environment fit perspective

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Supporting Australian veteran transition: career construction through a person-environment fit perspective

Karen Becker, Adelle Bish, Dan Abell, Matthew McCormack and Michelle Smidt

The International Journal of Human Resource Management, Vol.36(5), pp.799-823

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2022.2077127

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Abstract

military veteran

socialisation

career construction theory

person-environment fit

career transition

ex-service personnel

Despite military veterans being recognised as a rich talent pool for employers, evidence suggests that their capabilities are not fully utilised in civilian workplaces, with recent research indicating difficulty finding appropriate jobs and high turnover rates for this population. This study is underpinned by a person-environment fit perspective, and applies career construction theory to explore veterans’ perspectives of key challenges in their significant career transition from military service into the civilian workforce. It identifies ways for HRM professionals to improve integration and ultimately, retention. Interviews were conducted with 31 veterans from the Australian Defence Force who had transitioned from full-time service and had been working in civilian employment for at least six months but no more than three years. The research resulted in the development of a framework for veteran career transition that acknowledges the personal adaptation that occurs throughout this process and informs HR action required to attract and retain this valuable talent segment.

Details

Title: Supporting Australian veteran transition: career construction through a person-environment fit perspective
Authors: Karen Becker (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative Industries
Adelle Bish (Author) - North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Dan Abell (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative Industries
Matthew McCormack (Author) - UNSW Australia
Michelle Smidt (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative Industries
Publication details: The International Journal of Human Resource Management, Vol.36(5), pp.799-823
Publisher: Routledge
Date published: 2025
DOI: 10.1080/09585192.2022.2077127
ISSN: 1466-4399
Organisation Unit: School of Business and Creative Industries; UniSC Moreton Bay; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99640276502621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Management

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