Valence-Instrumentality-Expectancy (VIE) theory was used as a framework for exploring the dynamics of occupational preferences and satisfactions of 268 professors and 45 department chairmen at a major university and the processes underlying the intention of professors to make a mid-career change into the administrative role. The VIE theory is a rational model which attempts to explain how cognitive (instrumentality) and affective (valence) components combine to yield an index of an individual's overall feeling about an occupation. The criterion to test the total VIE model of occupational choice was to ask if professors would accept the job of chairman, assuming it was offered. Two questionnaires were used, one for professors and one for department chairmen which contained statements in seven general categories: Power, achievement, security, autonomy, social factors, family considerations, and esteem. Questionnaire items also asked both groups for their expectancy of success on both jobs and their satisfaction with both jobs. It was found that the preferred job was differentiated in each sample as predicted, but the different components of the VIE model did not uniquely predict attraction, satisfaction, and choice as specified by the theory. Chairmen rated the two jobs as equally attractive, but the professors as a whole were more negative to the chairman's job, and only a minority indicated they were willing to accept a chairmanship. (Author/TA)