In this report, the author analyzes the career of superintendents from the dual perspective of (1) the men as they trace out a career in the superintendency and (2) the job at the center of interest. The material first focuses on the characteristics of those who enter the occupation; their sources of occupational motivation and action; their career decisions, orientations, and styles; and the features of their occupation social structure. The author then draws operational contrasts, from superintendent to superintendent, as differing types of superintendents assume the post. As he expounds on the contrasting features of various superintendencies, the author explores the circumstances that lead to the selection of one type or the other; and how certain career factors influence the performance of the superintendent in relating to the staff, in the creation of work rules, and in the adoption of educational innovations. The report concludes with an examination of the impact of career and performance factors on length of stay in office and how the performance of one executive affects the choice of his successor. (Author)