Protestant work-ethic dimensions and work orientations

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that the Protestant work ethic (PWE) may be a multifaceted construct. This study explored the connections between four PWE components and three multidimensional work variables: time structure and purpose, work locus of control, and Type A behavior. A sample of 267 mostly employed American graduate students completed self-report surveys. Results suggested, in general, that only the PWE Hard Work facet correlated with structured and purposive time, and with internal work locus of control. Achievement oriented Type A behavior was associated with three PWE dimensions. The results of this investigation may provide renewed enthusiasm for the potential relevance of the PWE in studies of work attitudes, orientations, and behaviors by underscoring the importance of examining PWE components in these contexts. A somewhat altered portrait of work ethic believers also emerged here. Negative and disparaging views of others who may lack a strong work ethic may be as endemic to the PWE as are beliefs that hard work pays off. The results also have implications for the conceptualization and measurement of both time structure and purpose, and work locus of control.