A Consensual Qualitative Research on Work Values of Elementary School Students in South Korea

Abstract

This study aims to explore the work values of elementary school students in the early stages of career development. A total of 304 students in fifth and sixth grades from metropolitan areas of South Korea answered a questionnaire asking about three jobs they wanted, three jobs they did not want, and their reasons. The data were analyzed through a consensual qualitative research-modified method. The participants were classified into eight categories and 21 domains for the jobs they wanted and seven categories and 15 domains for the jobs they did not want. The categories for the jobs they wanted were recognition, contribution, ability, relationship, money, stability, interest, and ease. The categories of safety and health, contribution, ability, money, stability, interest, and ease were identified for the jobs they did not want. The implications of the results for career education, career counseling, and future research were discussed.