A cross-cultural examination of preferences for work attributes

Melissa S. Woodard, Jane K. Miller, Daniel J. Miller, Kirk D. Silvernail, Chun Guo, Sudhir Nair, Mehmet Devrim Aydin, Ana Heloisa da Costa Lemos, Paul Donnelly, Vilmante Kumpikaite-Valiuniene, Robert Marx, Linda M. Peters

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    14 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between individual- and country-level values and preferences for job/organizational attributes. Design/methodology/approach – Survey data were collected from 475 full-time employees (average of nine years work experience, and three years in a managerial position) enrolled in part-time MBA programs in seven countries. Findings – Preference for a harmonious workplace is positively related to horizontal collectivism, whereas preference for remuneration/advancement is positively related to vertical individualism. The authors also find a positive relationship between preference for meaningful work and horizontal individualism, and between preference for employer prestige and social adjustment (SA) needs. Research limitations/implications – Although the sample comprised experienced, full-time professionals, using graduate business students may limit generalizability. Overall, the results provide initial support for the utility of incorporating the multi-dimensional individualism and collectivism measure, as well as SA needs, when assessing the relationships between values and employee preferences. Practical implications – For practitioners, the primary conclusion is that making assumptions about preferences based on nationality is risky. Findings may also prove useful for enhancing person-organization fit and the ability to attract and retain qualified workers. Originality/value – This study extends research on workers’ preferences by incorporating a new set of values and sampling experienced workers in a range of cultural contexts.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)702-719
    Number of pages18
    JournalJournal of Managerial Psychology
    Volume31
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 11 Apr 2016

    Keywords

    • Individualism/Collectivism
    • Social adjustment
    • Worker preferences

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'A cross-cultural examination of preferences for work attributes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this