SOCIO-CULTURAL VALUES ABOUT WORK AND WORK ATTITUDES: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY AMONG GHANAIAN WORKERS

ABSTRACT

The present study explored Ghanaian socio-cultural values about work and work ethic beliefs of twenty-six employees of state owned organisations. Ghanaian socio-cultural values were investigated by examining societal beliefs about work and employee work goals/values. Work ethic beliefs examined in this study include employees’ success orientation and beliefs about self-reliance and teamwork. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and analysed using the Braun and Clark approach of conducting thematic analysis. Societal beliefs about work revealed the psychological function of work and also the view of work as a means of fulfilling religious and social obligations. Employee work values were found to be extrinsic (income and benefits, environment and security), intrinsic (work design, safety, personal growth and development, prestige) and social (interpersonal and contribution) consistent with findings obtained in other studies. Work ethic examined showed the Ghanaian belief in hard work and learning as vital in achieving success and also teamwork as the most effective way to achieve optimum results. Ghanaian socio-cultural values about work were found to express materialism, religiousness, respect for status and authority and an orientation towards group. Implications of these findings for management are discussed.