A Super Contribution to Vocational Theory: Work Values

Abstract

This article traces the influence of Donald E. Super in introducing the concept of work values into career development and vocational theory. It reviews the conceptualization, taxonomy, and assessment of work values. Research bearing on Super's “onion model,” representing his views on the relationship of work values to other variables in the affective domain, is also presented. Finally, an overview is given of the research evidence regarding any functional role that work values actually play in the career development of individuals.

Life‐Role Salience and Values: A Review of Recent Research

“…Overall, Yates concluded that the results support the conclusion that the Values Scale is a useful measure for counselors interested in assessing values in their work with adult clients. As noted by Zytowski (1994), however, more research is needed that investigates the function of values in career behaviors.…”

Work Values: A Formidable Domain Within the Context of People’s Lives

“…She contends that theories of justice, rights, ethics and utilitarianism are illustrative of standards of right and wrong. Aligned with this, Dose (1997, p. 228) Macnab & Fitzsimmons, 1987;Zytowski, 1994); needs satisfactions (Porter, 1961); age (Cherrington, Condie & England, 1979;Rhodes, 1983); generational (e.g. Smola & Sutton, 2002;Cennamo & Gardner, 2008); gender (e.g.…”

International Handbook of Career Guidance

“…The assessment of values rose in importance especially when the traditional matching model and the trait-and-factor approach grew to a more comprehensive conception of person-environment fit. Zytowski (1994) asserted that "work values have attained a status equaling that of abilities and interests in the array of individual differences that are considered important in career development" (p. 26) and saw values as "primary variables that influence the occupational choice process…" (p. 49).…”