Gender Differences in Value Orientations of High School Students in Their Transactions with Workplace Managers

Abstract

This article examines gender differences in value orientations of high school students in their transactions with workplace managers. The transactions include managers' practices and associations, as well as their influence as significant others who are admired by, care about, model behavior for, and encourage communication with employees. Data on the importance of these transactions were collected in the fall of 1988 from 127 students enrolled in consumer education classes in two of the three high schools in a midwestern community. Data were analyzed using t tests to identify differences in mean ratings of importance. Based on findings, female students may value transactions with workplace supervisors more than do male students. The article discusses implications for the greater society and recommends several ways social workers, vocational educators, and guidance counselors might collaborate with others to help young men and women form identities that move them toward each other in adult relationships.