Date of Award

1-1-2001

Thesis Type

Masters

Document Type

Thesis

Divisions

Faculty of Business and Economics

Department

-

Institution

Universiti Malaya

Abstract

The results of previous investigation on work values suggest that the contradictory findings in regard to gender differences may be rooted in variations in the underlying structure of the work-values domain. In present study, work values are regarded as (1) evaluative standards relating to work or the work environment by which individuals discern what is right and (2) the importance of preferences at work. The former is operationally defined as ethical work behavior and attitudes toward religious issues at work. The other definition emphasizes the preferences of workers, between intrinsic values and extrinsic values. Here, the main objectives are to examine the work values between genders and considering religious background as one of the main predictors. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were done on a random sample of 619 Malay Muslim, aged between 20 and 55 years old chosen throughout Malaysia and across sectors. Analysis of covariance was performed on the average score of fourteen work values statements by keeping age, children, job tenure and income as covariates. Multiple regression analyses were done on work values, ethical work behavior, attitudes toward religious issues at work and job satisfaction. Total mean values of intrinsic and extrinsic value shows no significant different. Even though effect sizes were < 0.01, four statements on work values were significantly different. There is an indication that men are more concern with money, independence, long term career goals, whereas, women were more people oriented, environment oriented and preoccupied with short term career goals. Specific-gender regression models on intrinsic and extrinsic values revealed religious background (formal /informal religious school, understanding in ibadah/amalan and political/societal involvement) as a significant variable with work values. Regardless of gender, strong religious background tends to incline towards intrinsic values. Other dependent variables showed significant relationships with religious background and intrinsic values. Discriminant analysis revealed intrinsic values as the best variable to classify satisfied and dissatisfied employees in jobs. Researcher recommends future study to consider various ethnic and religious backgrounds to ascertain the relationship of religious variables and societal norms toward work values.

Initial

snms

Additional Information

Dissertation (M.A) -- Faculty of Business and Economics, Universiti Malaya, 2001.

Download

Share

COinS