Human Values, Quality of Working Life, and Professional Competences: Proposition of an Integrative Theoretical Model and Research Agenda

Abstract

This theoretical essay explores three key themes — human values, quality of working life, and professional competencies — and aims to integrate them into a unified analytical model that supports a research agenda. The fulfillment of this agenda can contribute both theoretically and practically. It examines these constructs individually and in relation to one another, while also addressing methodological aspects, relevant contexts, and target audiences where the literature highlights gaps or calls for further investigation. To achieve this, a bibliographic review of each construct was conducted, incorporating recent and validated analytical models along with testable hypotheses. Studying these themes in an integrated manner provides a more comprehensive perspective on observed realities, particularly given the complexity of human relationships, especially in the context of labor relations. Furthermore, the insights generated from pursuing the proposed research agenda can shed light on human behavior within organizations, offering valuable data for enhancing policies and practices related to people management across diverse sectors of the labor market.