THE STRUCTURE(S) OF OCCUPATIONS - BEYOND RIASEC

Three studies reviewed here contribute to the robust replication of Holland's RIASEC hexagon model. Fouad and Dancer (1992) and Swanson (1992) show that hexagon order, but not shape, is invariant across different population samples. Prediger and Vansickle (1992) show that a two-dimensional map (with axes, People/Things and Data/Ideas) can be used to plot occupations according to similarity of RIASEC interests. The author contends that with a two-dimensional map (a) the RIASEC hexagon is logically unnecessary and (b) the map is more effective than the hexagon for determining person-environment fit. The author further contends that Prediger's map represents vocational interests but not necessarily other vocational attributes such as abilities and reinforcer preferences. The structural representation of occupations may require more than just one structure, even one as robustly replicated as Holland's RIASEC model. © 1992.