Addressed to those in the manpower field (manpower program planners, practitioners, researchers, and policy makers) currently engaged in work requiring knowledge of labor market functions, this report utilizes data synthesized from a decade of research studies and development projects sponsored by the Office of Manpower Research and Development (OMRD). Study goals are identified as presenting: the principal issues related to labor market activities associated with employment; a synthesis-analysis of the research development literature relative to these activities; and alternative policy approaches arising from the literature reviewed. Presenting an overview of labor markets and manpower forecasting, this report traces the operation of the labor market from job search to placement and promotion. Specifically, the seven chapters deal with such items as: differing labor markets (macro, micro, dual, rural, urban); the search for work (techniques and programs); labor market information (intermediaries, sources, improvement efforts); selection and entry (formal, informal, screening, programs); internal labor markets (theory, promotion, discrimination, job redesign); mobility (demonstration projects and agricultural migration). In addition, this report presents a literature bibliography and a short summary of major published sources of labor market information. (Author/JC)