The study examined the importance of social protocols (social interaction expectations) in the employability of handicapped persons. The project involved four goals (sample findings in parentheses): survey research (protocols requiring conversational skills were ranked highly, as were following instructions); a naturalistic observation of 17 handicapped and 16 nonhandicapped workers (a broad social interaction pattern existed among successful employees, although handicapped workers had low rate and duration of social interactions, and a smaller extent of active participation than nonhandicapped Ss); assessment of the relationship between observed social interaction patterns of handicapped youth in work settings and selected employment incidents as documented by employment officers' contact reports; and development of a list of social protocols important in employment. A composite is presented with the 10 top positive and five top negative social protocols. Positive protocols included following immediate and delayed instructions, responding to job related emergencies, and using social amenities. Among negative protocols are using weak excuses, arguing, and having friends around during work. It was concluded that effective preparation for employment should focus on protocols dealing with productivity and with being pleasant. (CL)