The rites of passage of cross‐disciplinary concepts: Reflections on “Rites, right? The value of rites de passage for dealing with today's career transitions”

Abstract

Purpose

Mayrhofer and Iellatchitch's discussion of rites of passage in the context of contemporary careers raises some concerns as to the usefulness of the concept as well as to its transferability across disciplines. This rejoinder maintains that, while the employment of rites of passage should be welcomed, its use in career discourse should be made with caution and reserve.

Design/methodology/approach

Asks searching questions in pursuit of the above.

Findings

That some controversial points are raised in Mayrhofer and Iellatchitch's article.

Originality/value

This presents the other side of the subject of the original article.

Citation

Altman, Y. and Holmes, L. (2005), "The rites of passage of cross‐disciplinary concepts: Reflections on “Rites, right? The value of rites de passage for dealing with today's career transitions”", Career Development International, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 67-70. https://doi.org/10.1108/13620430510577637