Desired and obtained work values across 37 countries: a psychology of working theory perspective

Purpose: Many contemporary career theories emphasize the role of individual agency and choice, a perspective that may not be relevant for the careers of underprivileged groups around the world. The psychology of working theory notes this disconnect and highlights the role that contextual variables play in the careers of marginalized, disadvantaged groups of employees. The goal of this paper was to identify factors that impact employees' careers by examining the relationship between desired work values and obtained work values. Design/methodology/approach: The data utilized in this study were from the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) Work Orientations IV survey. Across 37 countries, 27,527 individuals were surveyed and multilevel moderation analyses were employed. Findings: Using psychology of working theory as a theoretical framework, the authors identify the contextual factors that enable employees to secure their desired work values. Employees living in countries with higher levels of the Human Development Index have an easier time securing their desired intrinsic work values. Gender was not a statistically significant moderator. Originality/value: The authors’ findings indicate that, for many employees, careers are influenced by larger socioeconomic factors, showing that individuals have a more difficult time shaping their own careers in some contexts.