About Career Development International

Aims and scope

Careers and Development are inter-related fields of study with connections to many academic disciplines, organizational practices and policy developments in the emerging knowledge economies and learning societies of the modern world. Issues of theory and of practice may be dealt with at individual, organizational and society levels.

The international character of submissions may have two aspects. Submissions may be international in their scope, dealing with a topic that is of concern to researchers throughout the world rather than of sole interest to a national audience. Alternatively, submissions may be international in content, relating, for example, to comparative analyses of careers and development across national boundaries, or dealing with inherently 'international' issues such as expatriation.

From 1 January 2026, CDI will not consider quantitative manuscripts based on single-wave, single-source cross-sectional data (including those testing mediation). We strongly encourage multi-wave, experimental/quasi-experimental, panel, diary/ESM, mixed-methods, multi-source, or archival time-series designs. We will still continue to consider qualitative and mixed-method studies using cross-sectional data. Revise-and-resubmits invited before 1 January 2026 will not be impacted by this change.

Coverage

  • Individual careers - psychological and developmental perspectives
  • Career interventions (systems and tools, mentoring, etc)
  • Government policy and practices
  • HR planning and recruitment
  • International themes and issues (MNCs, expatriation, etc)
  • Organizational strategies and systems
  • Performance management
  • Work and occupational contexts

Topicality

The continuing trend towards flatter, non-hierarchical business organizations means different, or fewer, opportunities for career development. At the same time, organizations still need to provide employees with opportunities to develop their skills and experience, to enhance their professional status and to improve their rewards. Career Development International brings into focus the framework in which these new employment relationship are being negotiated and examines the pertinent career issues facing organizations worldwide.