The Czechs: Jobs and Work

Abstract

The Czech population attaches great importance to work in their lives, both as a source of income and as a sphere in which to realise their human potential. A factor analysis of work aspects identified three general factors in the aspects of work: an 'instrumental and trade-off' factor (good pay and good job security; generous holidays, good working hours and not too much pressure; pleasant people to work with and good working conditions); a 'social' factor (an interesting job, a useful job, a responsible job, a respected job and meeting interesting people); and a 'self-fulfilment' factor (chances for promotion, possibility of achievement, opportunities to use initiative, opportunity to use one's abilities). The importance attached to individual work aspects differs among members of individual social classes, as well as between men and women within these classes.