Classification and study in occupation a review and discussion of taxonomies

Abstract

Abstract This paper identifies classification, or the building of taxonomies, as a fundamental step in the development of knowledge. The history and purposes of taxonomies are briefly reviewed, and extant taxonomies relevant to the study of occupation are examined. These classification systems are found in the psychological, sociological, and vocational literature, and address motivation, meaning, the structure and organization of intentional behaviour, personality, and human performance. The paper concludes that researchers studying occupation will need to become familiar with a diverse theoretical and methodological literature in the social and behavioural sciences before significant advances can be made.