This study examines the structure of career interest among Chinese high school students in Hong Kong using interest test scores from the Self-Directed Search. Based on findings from exploratory factor analyses in which six-factor and three-factor solutions are examined, confirmatory factor analyses are conducted. Findings reveal that a hierarchical model of interest with six primary interest factors forming three interest clusters seems to be most valid for Chinese high school students. Although realistic and investigative interest forms one cluster, social interest loads on both the artistic cluster and the enterprising-conventional cluster. Implications of the findings are discussed based on the educational and cultural context in Hong Kong.
Farh, J., Leong, F. T. L., & Law, K. S. (1998). Cross-cultural validity of Holland’s model in Hong Kong. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 52, 425-440.
2.
Fouad, N. A. (1999). Validity evidence for interest inventories. In M. L. Savickas & A. R. Sponkane (Eds.), Vocational interests: Meaning, measurement, and counseling use (pp. 190-209). Palo Alto, CA: Davies-Black.
3.
Gati, I. (1982). Testing models for the structure of vocational interests. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 21, 164-182.
4.
Gati, I. (1991). The structure of vocational interests. Psychological Bulletin, 109, 309-332.
5.
Gabrenya, W. K., Jr., & Hwang, K. (1996). Chinese social interaction: Harmony and hierarchy on the good earth. In M. H. Bond (Ed.), The handbook of Chinese psychology (pp. 309-321). Hong Kong, China: Oxford University Press.
6.
Holland, J. L. (1985). Making vocational choices: A theory of vocational personalities and work environments (2nd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
7.
Holland, J. L. (1994). SDS assessment booklet: A guide to educational and career planning. Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources.
8.
Holland, J. L. (1997). Making vocational choices: A theory of vocational personalities and work environment (3rd ed.). Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources.
9.
Holland, J. L., Fritzsche, B. A., & Powell, A. B. (1994). Self-Directed Search technical manual. Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources.
10.
Holland, J. L., Powell, A. B., & Fritzsche, B. A. (1994). Self-Directed Search professional user’s guide. Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources.
11.
Jin, S. R. (1986). Holland typology: An empirical study on its factorial structure. Bulletin of Educational Psychology, 19, 219-254.
12.
Law, K. S., Wong, C. S., & Leong, F. (2001). The cultural validity of Holland’s model and its implications for human resource management: The case of Hong Kong. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 12, 484-496.
13.
Leung, S. A. (2002). Career counseling in Hong Kong: Meeting the social challenges. The Career Development Quarterly, 50, 237-245.
14.
Leung, S. A. (2003). A journey worth traveling: Globalization of counseling psychology. The Counseling Psychologist, 31, 412-419.
15.
Leung, S. A., & Hou, Z. J. (2001). Concurrent validity of the 1994 Self-Directed Search for school students in Hong Kong. Journal of Career Assessment, 9, 283-296.
16.
Leung, S. A., Lau, S. P., Chan, P. E., & Leung, K. M. (2003). Implementing a career counselling and guidance in Hong Kong secondary schools—Final report to Quality Education Fund. Hong Kong, China: The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
17.
Rounds, J., & Day, S. X. (1999). Describing, evaluating, and creating vocational interest structures. In M. L. Savickas & A. R. Sponkane (Eds.), Vocational interests: Meaning, measurement, and counseling use (pp. 103-133). Palo Alto, CA: Davies-Black.
18.
Rounds, J., & Tracey, T. J. (1996). Cross-cultural structural equivalence of the RIASEC models and measures. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 43, 310-329.
19.
Swaney, K. B. (1995). Technical manual: Revised unisex edition of the ACT interest inventory (UNIACT). Iowa City, IA: America College Testing.
