Investigating the Predictive Abilities of Schwartz’s Ten Universal Values on Five Work Performance Outcome Behaviors

The aim of this study is to investigate the nature and the extent of basic human values, focusing on Schwartz’s 10 universal value types and their associations with 5 different work related behaviours, i.e. engagement, organisational citizenship behaviour, counter-productive work behaviour, task performance and turnover intentions. The previous value studies which have attempted to clarify the relationships between values and behaviours stimulated us to contemplate on these relationships in the work settings. Because there are very few studies focusing on values and work related behaviours. This research study was based on a review of relevant literature and an online questionnaire which had 113 responses of working audiences from different professions and from different countries (e.g. Japan, Slovakia and UK). The findings showed the values as they are capable to predict the work related behaviours, despite some unexpected results. Some certain values, like achievement and self-direction have been found strongly correlated with most of the outcome variables. Finally, this study has emphasized on the importance of caring about the values in the work settings, like in every parts of the life.