What are the factors that most influence the formation of workers' labor values in order to achieve sustainable development in Latin America?

Abstract

This research delves into the formation of labor values in Latin America, exploring the complex interaction between socio‐demographic characteristics (gender, age, and educational level), well‐being (happiness, health, and life satisfaction), and macroeconomic factors (wealth, equity, and labor market stability). With microdata drawn from the World Values Survey, the study employs Logit and Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition models to analyze data from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru during 2005–2019. It uncovers the significant influence of worker happiness on labor values, especially among self‐employed individuals, and highlights happiness as a critical factor in varying labor values related to different well‐being dimensions. These insights reveal the intricate determinants of work values in the region, providing valuable implications for talent management and policy development aimed at fostering sustainable development through positive labor values.