The Relationship between Teachers’ Work Values and Work Enjoyments from Different Generations according to Some Variables

Abstract

The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between work values and work enjoyments of teachers from X and Y generations in relation to their gender, seniority and generation. The study was designed with single and correlational survey models. A total of 28501 elementary and public secondary school teachers from Ankara were represented by 381 participants in the sampling from nine central districts of Ankara.“Work Values Scale” was developed by the researchers and “Work Enjoyment Scale” was translated to Turkish. Results indicated that Y generation teachers more care about each dimension of work values than the X generation teachers. Teachers have a moderate work enjoyment level. Female teachers attach more importance to self-improvement, external rewards than male teachers. Teachers with seniority of 21 years or more enjoy more than the teachers with seniority 6-10 years. The relationships between extrinsic rewards and work enjoyment levels of the X generation teachers were found to be positive and low whereas the other dimensions of work enjoment levels of X generation teachers were found to be positive and medium level. Since Y generation refuses to count in place and expect continuous improvement during their career pathways, it would be appropriate to enrich career opportunities for Y generation teachers.