Work-related values: A comparative study of individuals of the Generation Y from different socioeconomic classes in Brazil

Abstract

This study analyzes the characteristics and, mainly, the work-related values of Brazil’s Generation Y from different socioeconomic classes. This theme has become more relevant since, in recent years, these young people have entered or are about to enter the labor market – a movement that is allegedly generating numerous conflicts in organizational environments. The main question that guides this research is: Do Generation Y individuals from socioeconomic classes “A” and “B” have different values in relation to those from classes “C,” “D,” and “E”? From the theoretical perspective, the concept of generations was studied, with emphasis on what has been defined as Generation Y globally as well as in the Brazilian context. In relation to values, the difference between attitudes and motivations was first established and, then, work-related values were studied, which are: leisure, intrinsic, altruistic, social, and extrinsic. The questionnaire was translated into Brazilian Portuguese and, later, back translation and content and face validity were carried out. The responses were divided into two groups: 137 answers from classes A and B and 91 answers from classes C, D, and E. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the order of importance of the values as well as MANOVA to detect differences between the groups. Afterwards, f-tests and t-tests were performed for all items individually in order verify whether any differences between the items were observed in the two groups. It was established that individuals from socioeconomic classes A and B do not have different work-related values from the individuals of classes C, D, and E. In addition, values that provide intrinsic and extrinsic rewards were the most valued by Generation Y. Another result is that young people from classes A and B do not predominantly have values related to social rewards, when compared to classes C, D, and E. The opposite was observed. There were no significant differences in work-related values between individuals of Generation Y from socioeconomic classes A and B and C, D, and E; nor was there predominance of the first group in relation to social rewards. This study broadens knowledge about Generation Y, reinforcing that the more-prominent values refer to those that provide intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. Moreover, it tackles the problem of comparing social stratum in the State of Sao Paulo.