An Appraisal of Career Counseling Techniques Employed at the National Oil Refinery Company (SONARA) in Limbe

This study appraised career counseling techniques employed at the national oil refinery company (SONARA) in Limbe. Municipality of the South West Region of Cameroon. The study was anchored on the Social Cognitive Theory by Lent and Hackette (2002). A case study research design was adopted for this study. A sample of 64 workers, 5 social workers and a general manager constituted a total number of 70 respondents that limited the sample. Simple random sampling and stratified sampling techniques were used. Data was presented in the form of frequencies and percentages as well as tables and the interview guide were analyzed thematically. The Findings indicated that; social workers in SONARA employ directive, non-directive and cooperative or eclectic counseling techniques, and that the non-directive and eclectic counseling techniques are used often. Findings also indicated that counseling is a reality in SONARA but not done frequently. It was therefore concluded that career counseling is not done often in SONARA but when it is done, it helps to boost workers’ performances and consequently improve the productivity of the company. Based on the findings, the study recommends that SONARA should constantly provide adequate career advisory services to its employees as well as have sufficient career counseling plan for its employees to improve on overall productivity. Therefore, career counseling should be done frequently. It is also recommended that the management of SONARA should consider instituting career counseling programs which will assist employees in exploiting their strengths and potential and avoid mismatches between individual aspirations, capabilities and organizational opportunities. Once this is done, it is believed that career counseling will improve the organization’s effectiveness and assist employees in achieving their individual needs.