Reviews recent developments that have raised questions about the distinctiveness of guidance and whether its practice can be separated from that of related professions. Suggests that a distinctive position may be found by an examination of certain key features of guidance practice, such as the role of information. (Author/GCP)

Explores ways in which the field of career guidance is unfolding. Focuses on the evolution in use and the definition of the term "career counseling" in the United States. Claims that career and personal counseling must combine to address many work-adjustment problems. Examines the results of such a combination. (RJM)

Outlines the background, rationale, methodology, and outcomes of developing local lifelong guidance strategies in four geographic areas. Analyzes the main components of the strategies developed and addresses a number of issues relating to the process of strategy development. Explores implications for parallel work in other localities. (RJM)

Discusses origins of action planning and action plans and possible influence of different antecedents on practice. Analysis indicates a lack of clarity concerning the origins of the process. Influence of contrasting models appear to remain unrecognized, and training needs of helpers, particularly for guidance skills, are underestimated. (FC)

Discusses development of equal opportunities for ethnic minorities through careers guidance. Describes the provision of careers guidance services in Holland and Britain in relation to a model of organizational development. Discusses emotional barriers of fear and anger in a structural context. Presents the concept of "career negotiation"…

Market principles can be applied to careers guidance services through the concept of guidance as a market maker or through the concept of a market in guidance. The notion of a market in guidance can take the form of a real market or of a quasi market. A quasi market can take the form of contracts or of vouchers. These options are explored.…