An exploration of New Zealand work value orientations, gender, and personality traits : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
Year: 2011
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The research objectives of this thesis were a) to explore gender differences in New Zealand work \nvalue orientations, and b) to explore the relationships between work value orientations and the \nBig Five personality traits. The purpose of these objectives was to identify if previous \ninternational findings on gender differences in work value orientations could be replicated in New \nZealand (e.g., Elizur, 1994; Lips & Lawson, 2009; Weisgram et al., 2010) and to further clarify \nrelationships between important behavioural and motivational influences (Parks & Guay, 2009). \nThe thesis employed a correlational research design. The Values and Motives Inventory (VMI) \nwas used as a measure of work values orientations. A respondent group of 1311 individuals had \ncompleted this assessment as part of selection and/or assessment purposes. Of these participants, \n459 had also completed the Fifteen Factor Questionnaire Plus (15FQ+) as a measure of the Big \nFive personality traits. Findings suggested that females scored significantly higher than males on \nwork values endorsing benevolence and supportive relationships with others. Conversely, males \nappeared to be more financially driven. These gender differences in work values orientations are \ndiscussed in terms of their implications for gendered roles and work interests in New Zealand. \nFindings suggested that the strongest work value-trait relationships occur between Affiliation and \nExtraversion, Affection and Extraversion, and Aesthetics and Openness. These, and other \nsignificant value-trait relationships, are discussed in terms of their implications for goal orientated behaviour, motivation, vocational choice, and the practice of assessment testing in New Zealand.
Author: Chloé M Hamman
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W130671111