Career Orientations Inventory

Test scores

The higher the average score for each Anchor, the more important it is as a factor for the individual in their efforts to pursue a rewarding, value based and ultimately fulfilling career.

• Technical and Functional reflects the desire to apply one's talents in a particular field and develop them to a high level of competence. The person is unwilling to give up work in their area of expertise for general management.

• General Management reflects the desire to rise to a level of responsibility for an organization's overall results. It involves integrating the efforts of others, making consequential decisions, and handling complex managerial problems.

• Autonomy and Independence reflects the need to define one's work in one's own way, according to a personally acceptable schedule and standards. The person may turn down advancement or security rather than give up freedom from organizational rules and constraints.

• Security and Stability reflects the need for a predictable future, including employment, financial, or geographic security. The person is unwilling to accept career opportunities that would seriously threaten this sense of stability.

• Entrepreneurial Creativity reflects the drive to create an organization, product, or service that is primarily the result of one's own ideas and efforts. The person values ownership, is willing to take risks, and sees financial success as evidence of what has been built.

• Dedication to a Cause/Service reflects the desire to pursue work that embodies important personal values or contributes to the welfare of others and society. The person is unwilling to accept opportunities that would prevent them from serving this larger purpose.

• Pure Challenge reflects the need to solve seemingly unsolvable problems, overcome difficult obstacles, or win against strong competitors. Success is defined by continual opportunities to test oneself against increasingly demanding challenges.

• Life Style reflects the desire to integrate personal, family, and career needs into a coherent way of life. The person seeks flexibility and is unwilling to let career demands consistently override other important areas of life.