The 'boundaryless' career and career boundaries: Applying an institutionalist perspective to ICT workers in the context of Nigeria

Drawing from institutional theory, this article explores 'boundaryless' careers and the nature of career boundaries in the information and communication technology (ICT) industry in Nigeria. The specific objectives are to explore: 1) whether career mobility in Nigeria reproduces or challenges contemporary projections of the 'boundaryless' career (i.e. as characterized by increased inter-firm mobility) and 2) the structural boundaries (barriers) that constrain individuals' ability to enact the boundaryless career in this context. Findings of the interviews with 50 technical professionals in the Nigerian ICT industry challenge contemporary projections of 'boundaryless' careers by providing evidence to support the continuing existence of career boundaries and traditional career patterns (i.e. as characterized by hierarchical and progressive movement within a single organization). Findings also suggest that ethnic allegiance, personal connections, gender discrimination, perceptions of educational qualifications and the nature of work biography constrain individuals' ability to enact the boundaryless career in the ICT industry. Overall, the article contributes the Nigerian perspective on boundaryless careers and career barriers to the growing consideration of career phenomena in different national contexts.