Work values and its relationship to job satisfaction.

Abstract

Work values represent a degree of importance, worth and desirability of the events that occur

at work (Knoop, 1993), while job satisfaction represents the gratification of an individual’s

needs and wants pertaining to the job. Work values and needs are important concepts that

aids in the examination of an individual’s potential for job satisfaction (Drummond &

Stoddard, 1991). The purpose of this research was to determine if there is a significant

relationship between work values and job satisfaction. A quantitative study was used with a

sample of 120 participants. The study consisted of three instruments, the job satisfaction

questionnaire (OSI), the VSM 94 (The Values Survey Module), and the biographical information questionnaire. This study revealed that there is a significant relationship between

the overall job satisfaction and the overall work values within the sample. Furthermore, there

is a significant relationship between the work values dimension of uncertainty/avoidance and

job satisfaction. There was no difference in work values and job satisfaction between

genders. However, there were differences in work values between the various racial groups.

Furthermore, there were differences in the work values dimension of masculinity between

different age groups. Implications of these findings and differences in the relationship

between constructs are discussed.