Value Conflict While Choosing a Future Job: A Mixed-Method Study on University Students` Work Values

The attitude to future job is commonly conceptualized with the help of work values theory. Work values are defined as subjectively chosen important characteristics of a job position. It is generally accepted to draw distinction between extrinsic and intrinsic work values. However, it seems that such a dichotomy does not take into account well-elaborated classical typologies of life values as well as misses individualistic and collectivistic orientations which partly frame the meaning and goals of personal attitude to work. Basing assumptions on the analysis of questionnaires from comparative cross-country studies over the last 30 years the problem of “ethical turn” in work values studies was elucidated. In order to overcome such a problem an updated theoretical typology of work values was proposed. Its relevance was asserted by virtue of mixed-method research. Firstly, nationally representative survey of Russian university students was used (summer 2021, N=14795). The author added more options in the questionary and with the help of factor analysis seven higher order variables of work values were revealed. It was demonstrated that work values can be typologies on two scales: extrinsic-intrinsic, collectivistic-individualistic. On second step interpretivist approach was implemented in order to reveal the meanings behind statistics. The analysis of narratives from interviews with students aged from 18 to 24 years old was implemented (winter 2021, N=38). It was revealed that meaning of work value is constructed within the framework of opposition between the focus on satisfying individual utilities or social needs. The main area of inner value conflict was located in the sphere of choices between well paid and interesting job positions which seems to be valued by market economy VS socially useful job positions which are hardly recognized as status worthy in contemporary society and seems to be badly remunerated even in the future perspective.