Network of Relationships among the Domain-Specific Self-perceptions of Competence/Adequacy, Self-esteem, Locus of Control, and Work Value Orientations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the network of relations among domain-specific self-perceptions of competence/adequacy, self-esteem, locus of control, and work value orientations through employing a structural equation modeling approach. The sample of the study consisted of 510 Greek tertiary education students who completed the Self-Perception Profile for College Students, the Work Values Scale and the Nowicki–Strickland Locus of Control Scale. The results showed that intrinsic orientations appear to be more strongly rooted in the competence and the social domains of self-perception than extrinsic values. Specifically, the three competence (job competence, academic competence, and creativity) and the two social relationships with peers domains (close friendships and social acceptance) had a direct effect on intrinsic work values, with all effects being positive. In contrast, extrinsic values were directly affected by only two specific domains: job competence whose effect was negative and social acceptance which exerted a positive effect on extrinsic values, as it did on intrinsic values. Self-esteem exerted its influence on work value orientations only indirectly via its impact on locus of control, which in turn had an effect on extrinsic values indicating that individuals with a more extrinsic locus of control orientation endorse a more extrinsic work value orientation. The results of the present study can inform, through the proposed model, a better understanding of the differential importance of the domain-specific self-perceptions in shaping work value orientations.