A study that examined the personality and environmental factors affecting South African female career interest and career commitment at different life phases resulted in development of a model of vocational behavior. Selected for the study sample were 111 graduated white women employed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The women who differed in age, marital status, maternal status, field of specialization, and level of functioning, completed the following tests: (1) Bem Sex Role Inventory, (2) the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire, and (3) the Mehrabian Measure of Achieving Tendency for Females. Analysis of the test results revealed that a masculine sex role identity, a need to achieve, and independent behavior are prerequisites for accepting and handling higher level job responsibilities. Also found to influence satisfaction with life were sex role identity, marital status, personality, age, and attitudes toward work. Based on these data, a model of female vocational behavior was developed. The following stages were included in the model: an entry stage, a formative stage, a normative stage, and a performance stage. Recommendations included calls to help women accept executive job possibilities and adapt traditional adult life expectations to meet present day realities. (MN)