Career patterns are influenced as much by the individual as by the organization. They are often based on ones own definition of career success; his work values, motives and attitudes; his career stage and adult life stage development as they dynamically interrlate; family concerns (including the influence of the spouse); and the various options which are largely dependent on career politics. The author outlines the above theoretical concepts and suggests interview questions and questionnaire items to study these constructs. A bibliography is included. (Author)