The broadening of perspective over the career course: an exploratory study of self-reported creative research acts

Data collected from questionnaires mailed to a systematic sample of full professors were used to test the hypothesis that as persons advance through career stages, they are granted greater latitude in, and have greater inclination for, the expression of creative research activity within a broader perspective. Empirical support was found for this hypothesis. Even stronger support was obtained from a more recent cohort whose members may be part of a more career oriented discipline. Knowledge about the processess of career development and the trend toward increased breadth can lead to continued satisfaction for an individual over his/her career course, and the accomplishment of organizational objectives.