The Maltese university student’s mind-set : a survey of their preferred work values

Abstract

Work values help to shape cognitions and motivations and are therefore essential in one’s process of searching for employment and remaining employable. The present study explored the typical work values preferred by university students in Malta. Gender and faculty differences as well as gender differences within faculties were explored. Twenty-four work values divided into three modalities (cognitive, affective and instrumental), derived from Elizur’s (1984) categorisation, were assessed. Gender differences were present amongst eleven specific work values with higher scores being shared by female students. Thirteen value items also differed across faculties such that students in the social science and humanities faculty clusters generally scored lower on these specific values than the other clusters. Finally, value item differences across gender were least accentuated within faculties than across faculties. The results imply both the role of features outside university circles in shaping student work value preferences but also the relative faculty influences in shaping and influencing the kind of work values that will ensure graduates are successful in the contemporary world of work. Hence, the role of faculty influence in this regard is highlighted.