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1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 1 June 1997

Ikhlas A.H. Abdalla

Discusses the data analysed in the present study which was collected from 284 Qatari men and women college students. Examines the internal reliability estimates, construct and…

1257

Abstract

Discusses the data analysed in the present study which was collected from 284 Qatari men and women college students. Examines the internal reliability estimates, construct and concurrent validity of the Protestant ethic scale. Internal consistency estimates of reliability and the pattern of relationships among the scales yielded similar results to those reported in the Western culture. Shows that, the factor analysis yielded four interpretable factors for the Protestant ethic scale, two factors for the work ethic scale, two factors for the Protestant ethic attitudes and five factors for the total items of the three Protestant work ethic scales and the leisure ethic scale. Posits that, these results are generally consistent with previous research findings, and, similar to previous research findings, the mean scores of the three Protestant ethic scales were relatively higher than those generally reported in developed countries. Suggests that, the results show that the three Protestant work ethic scales are moderately valid and reliable instruments to use for studying Arabian Gulf students.

Details

Journal of Managerial Psychology, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-3946

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1995

Abbas J. Ali, Thomas Falcone and Ahmed A. Azim

Addresses the issues of work ethics and work‐related attitudes inthe USA and Canada. Two‐hundred‐and‐ten individuals from variousorganizations participated. The results indicated…

4717

Abstract

Addresses the issues of work ethics and work‐related attitudes in the USA and Canada. Two‐hundred‐and‐ten individuals from various organizations participated. The results indicated that US participants were found to be more committed to the Protestant and contemporary work ethic than Canadians. Both women and workers (male and female) scored high on Protestant work ethic (PWE). No differences in PWE were found, however, between Catholic and Protestant participants. In addition, the results showed high correlations between all work ethic measures and work‐related individualism.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 14 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2011

Virgil O. Smith and Yvonne S. Smith

The Protestant Work Ethic (PWE) is an important construct for management theorists. However, there appear to be biases and distortions in the way it is used in research. This…

2173

Abstract

Purpose

The Protestant Work Ethic (PWE) is an important construct for management theorists. However, there appear to be biases and distortions in the way it is used in research. This paper aims to discuss the issues of assumptions involving the PWE, thus addressing this gap in the management literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The management literature distorts the PWE in three ways. First, though there are multiple work ethics, researchers largely focus on this one. This paper examines work‐ethics research and language in various management fields. Second, the construct has been developed within limited philosophical perspectives. This is tested by comparing work histories. Third, the historic documents are investigated and it is argued that the PWE is not Protestant.

Findings

There is evidence of bias in the management literature concerning the PWE. Though there are many work values, management research is dominated by the PWE. Luther's and Calvin's writings indicate that their essential views on work are the opposite of Webers' formulation of the PWE. However, the views of Marx and Engels on work echo the PWE.

Research limitations/implications

If a basic assumption is distorted, research utilizing this assumption is suspect. The PWE is an important construct in several management disciplines. Bias in construct assumptions can result in inaccurate measurements and results.

Practical implications

Researchers must constantly be aware of possible personal bias, particularly regarding key constructs. Scholars should regularly examine assumptions in their discipline. The history of a discipline can greatly assist this examination.

Originality/value

This is one of the few examinations of the assumptions behind a key construct in the management literature, the PWE. There are strong indications that distortions about the PWE have been reified.

Details

Journal of Management History, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1348

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2004

Gayle Porter

Organizational change initiatives are successful only through the efforts of the people, so it is important to look beyond surface reactions and understand the deeper implications…

9633

Abstract

Organizational change initiatives are successful only through the efforts of the people, so it is important to look beyond surface reactions and understand the deeper implications of employees' visible work habits. By integrating work from several disciplines, this paper poses a series of questions aimed at creating better awareness of differences in how and why people work. Historic tracking of beliefs about work in the USA is provided as an example of how a positive foundation of strong work ethic can become the dysfunctional extreme of workaholism.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 17 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2003

Anat Freund and Abraham Carmeli

This study examined the relationships between five work commitments: Protestant work ethic, career commitment, job involvement, continuance commitment and affective commitment…

2809

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between five work commitments: Protestant work ethic, career commitment, job involvement, continuance commitment and affective commitment. Based on Morrow's concept of five universal forms of commitment, their inter‐relationships were tested in regard to a population of lawyers either employed by, or partners in law firms. The results presented a reconstructed model. The following findings were unique to this reconstructed model: job involvement and career commitment appeared as mediating variables, although, unlike previous models, job involvement was found to be directly related to affective commitment. Furthermore, career commitment was shown to be directly related only to continuous commitment and not to affective commitment. The significance of these findings is discussed in regards to the studied population as well as to further investigations.

Details

Journal of Managerial Psychology, vol. 18 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-3946

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2001

Darwish A. Yousef

This study investigates the moderating impacts of the Islamic work ethic on the relationships between organizational commitment and job satisfaction. It uses a sample of 425…

12623

Abstract

This study investigates the moderating impacts of the Islamic work ethic on the relationships between organizational commitment and job satisfaction. It uses a sample of 425 Muslim employees in several organizations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The empirical results indicate that the Islamic work ethic directly affects both organizational commitment and job satisfaction, and that it moderates the relationship between these two constructs. Results further reveal that national culture does not moderate the relationship between the Islamic work ethic and both organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Results also point out that support of the Islamic work ethic differs across age, education level, work experience, national culture, organization type (manufacturing or service), and ownership (private or public). Furthermore, empirical results suggest that there is a positive and significant relationship between job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Implications, limitations and lines of future research are discussed.

Details

Personnel Review, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0048-3486

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 September 2020

Ottavio Palombaro

This paper aims to check the presence of such relationship in the field. Certain values are at stake for the success of economic behavior. Since the genesis of modern capitalism…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to check the presence of such relationship in the field. Certain values are at stake for the success of economic behavior. Since the genesis of modern capitalism, a set of beliefs proper of Calvinism (mainly Predestination but also Beruf, inner-worldly asceticism, role of Sects […] ) was said by Max Weber to cause an anxiety about salvation and generate a propensity to economic success as a sign of election. The author argues on the contrary that the Calvinist belief in the Perpetual Assurance of Salvation might cause a sense of self-efficacy able to favor economic success. To observe this in action today, it is crucial to consider the evolution that the Protestant ethic went through migrating first in North America and, finally, through the Protestant revival of China. Wenzhou is called “Jerusalem of China” for its large Protestant community that is also strongly involved in business. Some scholar already pointed out the presence among those entrepreneurs of this Protestant ethic (Yi Xiang, Boss-Christian […]).

Design/methodology/approach

The data presented in this comparative qualitative study pertain to ethnographic observations, job-shadowing and interviews done among Chinese Christian and non-Christian entrepreneurs from Wenzhou living in Milan, Italy.

Findings

The results show, with some adjustments, the presence of a Chinese version of the Protestant ethic overlapping with several values proper to the Chinese context (Confucianism, lineage, social network). The extension of the study to other cases must be done with caution considering the non-causal justificatory role of the belief.

Originality/value

Successful entrepreneurship involves specific social, cultural and even religious aspects that move beyond mere business strategies.

Details

Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4604

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2005

Gayle Porter

To provide current information on managers' expectations of their employees, toward structuring future research on amount of time and energy devoted to work.

4599

Abstract

Purpose

To provide current information on managers' expectations of their employees, toward structuring future research on amount of time and energy devoted to work.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data, acquired through focus groups and interviews, provide a sample of the perceptions of 57 managers in the mid‐Atlantic region of the USA regarding employees' work ethic.

Findings

The results are presented as descriptive information of interest in formulating future research. The traditional work ethic (hard work, responsibility, diligence) still dominates managers' expectations, and they believe many employees have lost the willingness to work now for later returns (that was a key component of the early Protestant work ethic in the USA). Many of the concerns these managers expressed parallel predictions by writers in social and economic history – for example, influence of early social development, emphasis on everything “instant”, and the pressure through technology to work anywhere/anytime. Some implications for practice are discussed.

Originality/value

This study is unique in that it asks the managers directly about their individual expectations. Literature reflects both individual and organizational pressures for hard work, but the organizational side is assessed through examining unfortunate outcomes of policies and practices. The personal comments of the managers provide an important dimension to considering demands of the workplace.

Details

Journal of European Industrial Training, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0590

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2002

Thomas Li‐Ping Tang, Jwa K. Kim and Theresa Li‐Na Tang

The present study investigated the money ethic scale among full‐time employees, part‐time employed students, and non‐employed university students. Confirmatory factor analyses…

4262

Abstract

The present study investigated the money ethic scale among full‐time employees, part‐time employed students, and non‐employed university students. Confirmatory factor analyses results showed that there was a good fit between the three‐factor model and research data for full‐time employees and non‐employed students and a weaker fit for part‐time employees and the whole sample. Further, factors success and evil were predictors of income for full‐time employees. Money attitudes were not related to pay satisfaction. Factor budget was associated with life satisfaction for full‐time employees and non‐employed students. Full‐time employees in this sample tended to be older, male, and have higher education than part‐time employees and students. Non‐employed students tended to have higher life satisfaction, lower protestant work ethic, less type A behavior pattern, and think more strongly that money does not represent their success, that they budget money carefully, and that money is not evil than part‐time employees.

Details

Journal of Managerial Psychology, vol. 17 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-3946

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2000

Darwish A. Yousef

The article examines the potential mediating role of the Islamic work ethic between locus of control, role conflict and role ambiguity. The study uses a sample of 397 employees in…

5475

Abstract

The article examines the potential mediating role of the Islamic work ethic between locus of control, role conflict and role ambiguity. The study uses a sample of 397 employees in a variety of manufacturing and service organizations in an Islamic country, the United Arab Emirates. The results of correlational analysis and regression models suggest that the Islamic work ethic is related to locus of control. Furthermore, the results of a series of regression models indicate that the Islamic work ethic mediates the relationship between locus of control and role ambiguity. On the other hand, the results point out that the Islamic work ethic does not mediate the relationship between locus of control and role conflict. Results further point out that there is a significant correlation between the Islamic work ethic and role ambiguity. Limitations, lines of future research, implications and contributions are discussed.

Details

Journal of Managerial Psychology, vol. 15 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-3946

Keywords

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