The values, motives, and work life reality of russian employees: Problems and contradictions

Abstract

The current transformation of the labor sphere is often inconsistent in the direction and content of the changes in employment relations and working activity. This has prompted a revision of the theoretical foundations of the study of values and motives at work. In this paper, work activity is regarded as a set of value-orientation bases, specific labor practices and the true motivation of work behavior. In particular, we distinguish between value dispositions and true work motivation, which depends on specific workplace and occupation. Our survey of 1,423 Russian workers and managers revealed (1) the determinants of the existing role standards in the work activity of Russian employees, (2) the role of employees' value dispositions in these processes, and (3) the importance of the socioeconomic conditions of specific jobs and occupations. The findings confirm the dominance of materialistic values, although there are significant differences in the actualization of values focused on personal development within professional and industrial dimensions. We also find that the orientation towards selfrealization and professional development and the possibility of obtaining new knowledge and skills are significantly associated with a positive normative model of individual work behavior. Additionally, we reveal the considerable impact of the work content on the demonstration of diligent and professional work. Finally, we find that true work motivation is very much aligned with the norms and rules adopted in particular work environments.