What is the primary structural difference between a Career Ladder and a Career Path regarding movement flexibility?

Answer

A Career Path is flexible, allowing lateral or diagonal moves, while a Career Ladder is rigid and strictly vertical.

The core distinction between these two frameworks lies in their structural rigidity. A Career Ladder is likened to fixed staircase rungs, demanding a very defined, highly structured vertical climb where one step must be completed before moving to the next, usually based strictly on tenure or predefined criteria within the same function. In sharp contrast, the Career Path is inherently more flexible, recognizing that true professional development often necessitates strategic deviations such as stepping sideways into related functional areas or even taking a temporary step back in title to acquire necessary cross-functional experience or transition into a new domain. This flexibility means a path outlines all viable avenues stemming from a role, not just one prescribed route.

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