An empirical investigation of the attitudes, values, and ethics of youth towards a work orientation

• Main Author: Cook, Wayne Ernest, 1944-
• Language: English
• Published: University of British Columbia 2011
• Subjects: Work; Youth
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/32371

This study was an attempt to explore the work attitudes of the young educated worker of the near future. Several motivational dimensions have been utilized to determine the values and preferences of the younger generation. Data have been gathered from the following institutions: two universities, two colleges, one technical-vocational school and three high schools by means of a Likert-scale type questionnaire devised for this study. The data have then been analysed on the basis of several motivational scales which could be loosely grouped (but not inclusive) into intrinsic and extrinsic job characteristics. Analysis of the results substantiated the following hypotheses: II University and vocational trade students will generally perceive themselves to be more mobile, both upwards and spatially, than high school and regional college students. III Commerce and vocational students will be more oriented towards economic returns as a result of their value transmission than arts students. V Youth in arts, in contrast to those in commerce and technical training, will be largely uncommitted and will seek increased leisure time due to the lack of socialization towards specific occupational positions. The following hypotheses were moderately substantiated: I Arts students with their general educational base will express greater anti-authoritarianism than Commerce and Technical students who are more oriented towards the values of the business community. VI Unlike students from high school, college and university arts programmes, commerce and vocational students do not regard pessimistically the general employment conditions and political concern for individuals. VII The attitudes towards work and life style are relatively similar among youth under 30. The following hypotheses were not substantiated in full: IV University and vocational students are more motivated towards work which is meaningful and which utilises the skills, knowledge, and capacity of the individual than high school or college students. VIII Men are inclined towards a work-orientation, whereas women are inclined towards a social-orientation. === Business, Sauder School of === Graduate