A Comparative Study of Work Values between US and Malaysia Marketing Students

Abstract

This paper aims to identify the ranking of importance of work values as perceived by marketing students, and to explore the underlying dimensions of work values in the Malaysian context. It also aims to determine whether there are differences of work values between marketing students in Malaysia and US. Previously validated Super’s Work Values Inventory (SWVI) containing 15 dimensions was completed by business students undertaking Marketing and other majors in Malaysia and USA. Factor analysis is employed to examine the underlying structure of work values. The study confirms the two-factor structure (intrinsic and extrinsic) of work values and shows that marketing students value the work that allows them to fulfill their potential in terms of creativity (M = 4.23) and intellectual stimulation (M = 3.99) in Malaysia. Moreover, the results showed that significant differences in work values exist between Malaysia and US students with respect to economic return, way of life, altruism, prestige, management and variety. This article contributes to the worldwide knowledge on work values by highlighting the importance of understanding potential marketing professionals’ work values in the two different countries. Respondents selected from two countries will limit the generalizability of the study.