CONCEPTUAL SYSTEMS THEORY AND HOLLAND\u27S THEORY OF VOCATIONAL CHOICE AND ACTUAL VOCATIONAL BEHAVIOR OF ADULTS

This study investigated the relationship between the Holland theory of vocational choice and the conceptual systems theory. The effects of these two theories on the vocational choices and behavior of employed adults was examined. Conceptual systems categories were assessed by Harvey\u27s (1966, 1967) This I Believe Test (TIB) and Holland\u27s (1977) Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI) was used to measure personality type. The Dictionary of Holland Occupational Codes was used to determine the Holland code for current occupation. A seven point scale was used to indicate the degree of agreement between personality type and occupation. The sample consisted of 237 respondents who were employed in a variety of occupations and were attending an urban community college on a part-time basis during the evening. Of the 237 respondents, approximately 56% were System 1, 8% were System 2, 27% were System 3, and 8% were System 4. The results of a chi-square analysis indicated that a significant relation (p \u3c .002) existed between conceptual systems and some of the Holland codes for current occupation. A comparison of group means and standard deviations of conceptual system groups on the VPI scales revealed that significant differences were found among the group means for the Conventional and Enterprising scales (p \u3c .05). A multiple discriminant analysis procedure was employed to further distinguish among the groups on the VPI patterns of interest. The results revealed that on the first dimension, the Artistic and Enterprising scales were most responsible for differences, maximally separating System 4 from Systems 3 and 1. On the second dimension, the Investigative and Social scales produced the greatest distinction between Systems 4 and 2. An analysis of variance test was performed to test for differences between conceptual systems groups and the degree of agreement between the VPI Profiles and occupational type. There were no significant differences found among the groups between these variables. Recommendations for future research included replication of the study using a sample of adults already employed in occupations related to the six Holland themes. Length of employment might be considered as a factor related to vocational choice of adults. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.