There is general compatibility among objectives in the preceding list of societal interests that are affected by the design of occupational classification systems. With several significant exceptions, it is feasible to provide the types of classification information needed to support analysis and programs related to these public interests. The enterprise of classifying all activity in the wage economy into a system of occupations raises several fundamental questions. Some of the questions are common to all taxonomies, whether they be of stamps, insects or occupations. All classification systems need to specify the distinguishing features that will determine inclusion or exclusion into categories.
All systems require decisions about how constituent parts are to be grouped into broader categories.
All systems should take into account how they are to be used to sort and organize data collected in the future. Consequently, we can distinguish four conceptually different tasks in designing an occupational classification system. The future SOC should be shaped to provide information that will help achieve high priority social goals for the workforce. Our recommendations for the future SOC cover issues of system structure, information content, and application. Classify occupations on the basis of skills, authority, and work fields.