Expectancy theory and decision theory research predicting occupational preference and choice were reviewed to assess the usefulness of such approaches. Each investigation produced substantial support for the use of such models suggesting that both theories can provide practical insights for occupational guidance and counseling. While theoretical, mathematical, and methodological differences exist among these approaches, they are based on a fairly similar, rational maximization principle. They assume that people will choose the occupations they believe will result in the greatest amount of benefit to them, provided there is a good chance they can actually attain a position in the occupation. The results of studies in occupational guidance and counseling are congruent with the foregoing. Providing people with accurate information about jobs and job outcomes facilitates adjustment and reduces turnover. The expectancy and expected value models provide solid, explicit ways in which people might use the information, their values, and expectations about the future in order to make the "best" possible choices; these models seem to be highly predictive. (TA)