Entrepreneurial job development: A case study with a person with schizophrenia

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Randall, Christine | Buys, Nicholas

Affiliations: School of Human Services, Griffith University, Logan Campus, University Drive, Meadowbrook, Qld 4131, Australia

Note: [] Corresponding author. Tel.: +61 7 3382 1208; Fax: +61 7 3382 1210; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: People with schizophrenia face significant disadvantage in the labour market leading to high levels of unemployment. In response to this situation more employer-focused approaches to job placement have been proposed, including entrepreneurial job development. This case study examined the entrepreneurial job development approach in establishing an employment relationship between a person with schizophrenia and an employer. Data were collected from the employer and the employee using semi-structured audiotaped interviews, logbooks and member checks over a nine-month period. Five meta-themes were identified that included: (1) strong 'employer focus' during the job development process; (2) 'employee assets' that were brought to the employment relationship; (3) 'workplace relationships' and their impact on the success of the placement; (4) focus on the 'career development' needs of the employee; and (5) 'satisfaction' of both participants with the job development process and employment relationship. The entrepreneurial job development approach was found to be effective in assisting the jobseeker to develop a potentially long-term, employment relationship with the employer through the creation of a new position that met a 'business need'.

Keywords: Entrepreneurial job development, vocational rehabilitation, schizophrenia, qualitative research

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 24, no. 1, pp. 11-22, 2006