Dear PMSL:
Over the past few years, we have been finding that our professional staff are asking for more flexible work arrangements and the opportunity to work on multi-disciplinary teams and multi-department projects. Our organization is not really built along these lines but we are concerned that we will not be able to attract and retain staff. Is this something we can continue to ignore?

PMSL's Response:
This would depend on your company’s vision. The world of work has experienced major changes in the last 20 years what with the advances in technology, e-communication, globalization and the growth of the knowledge economy. This has resulted in, and what you may be witnessing, is a trend that is well documented in North America, Europe and Australia termed the “boundaryless career” which involves employees seeking occupational paths that are not bounded within specific organizations but grow through project-based competency across firms.

Careers are thus being re-conceptualized in the context of the breaking down, or the reshaping of traditional boundaries.  Examples of some of the boundaries being challenged are job boundaries, pursuing careers that no longer conform to well-trodden career paths and the social boundaries separating work and family roles.  Psychologically satisfying work is thought to be more meaningful than promotion and status.

Viewing careers as ‘boundaryless’ can help with understanding the subjective aspect of career development. It can help employers to appreicate the need to balance work and family commitments as well as enabling individuals to take charge of and manage their own careers.