Unifying work values: establishing a circular framework based on basic human values

Area of Science:

• Organizational Behavior
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Personal work value research lacks robust theoretical foundations.
• Diverse assessment instruments create ambiguity and hinder progress in understanding work values.
• Past conceptualizations may have biases and blind spots.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop a comprehensive work value theory integrating basic human value propositions.
• Refine work value constructs for enhanced theoretical capabilities in organizational settings.
• Broaden the scope of work value constructs to include personal and social dimensions.

Main Methods:

• Integrate propositions from basic value research and the theory of basic human values.
• Review past instruments and constructs in work value research.
• Resolve definitional inconsistencies and theorize values within a motivational circumplex.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive work value theory is developed, based on motivational goal compatibility and conflict.
• Refined work value constructs enhance theoretical capabilities, covering personal and social dimensions.
• The theory provides a motivational circumplex for context-sensitive value theorizing.

Conclusions:

• The developed theoretical framework guides future research on work values, organizational behavior, and person-organization fit.
• Empirical validation across diverse cultures and organizational contexts is necessary.
• The study addresses the need for a more nuanced understanding of work values, including social dimensions influenced by neoliberal ideology.