Linking a structure of vocational interests to Gottfredson's (1986) Occupational Aptitude Patterns map

Gottfredson (1986) created the Occupational Aptitude Patterns (OAP) Map, an aptitude-based classification system covering most occupations in the U.S. labor force. Her jab rating data also suggested an overlapping and complem entary vocational interest structure for four Functional Work Areas (Physic al, Bureaucratic, Social and Economic, and Artistic). To research this furt her in an age- and gender-diverse sample of clients seeking vocational guid ance (N = 320), the present study classified Strong interest Inventory Occu pations items (Hansen Bi Campbell, 1985) into OAF Map clusters. Principal c omponents analysis of the cluster scores generally supported this interest structure. Results suggest potential for developing the OAF Map as a theore tical and practical job classification taxonomy, with the general purpose o f improving person-job fit or congruence with respect to job performance an d job satisfaction. (C) 1999 Academic Press.