A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF WORK VALUES OF UNDERGRADUATE AMERICAN AND RUSSIAN STUDENTS

Abstract

This study examined work values of undergraduate students in two comparable state universities in Russia and the United States.  The study investigated how work values of undergraduate students in these two cultures differ across country and gender. Examining undergraduate students’ work values give us insights into their flexibility at work, motivation for employment, and job persistence.It is imperative to gain such insights of the global work force for employees and employers with respect to future employment. Such knowledge will help us address future graduates’ needs as well as foster an efficient and pleasant work environment.The current study showed that there are significant differences between American and Russian students regarding work values and attitudes toward unemployment. The key findings indicated that Russian students had a more positive attitude toward work than American students on most items measuring work values, whereas American students had more negative attitude toward unemployment and a much higher life satisfaction than Russian students.

Key Words: Work Values, Career Counseling, Comparative Study, and Attitude towards Unemployment

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