Personal Values and the Use of Sources of Guidance at Work: A Comparison Between the United States and Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this research was to test statistically significant correlations between personal values and employee’s use of sources of guidance when dealing with different events at work, comparing the United States and Brazil. 220 employees from a Brazilian university and 166 employees from an American university filled out a paper-and-pencil questionnaire comprised of two previously-validated scales. Based on the theoretical review, 8 hypotheses were raised to be empirically tested. The findings have practical implications for administrators and human resource professionals, who can benefit from knowledge about correlations between the constructs, especially when it comes to recruiting and selecting processes. Although the research was restricted to analyzing correlations, it elaborated a robust ground for future causality investigations and shed light on the importance of investigating specificities of work-related constructs in different nations, aiming at effective and contextualized management practices in times of raising globalization and internationalization.

Guidance sources at work

“…The discussion showed that some of these differences were compatible with national cultural characteristics. Athayde et al (2022a) explored statistically significant correlations between personal values and employees' use of sources of guidance when dealing with different work events in the United States and Brazil. In the United States, the authors found correlations between high scores in the value Power-Dominance and less reliance on superiors.…”

“…Authors who empirically compared the use of Sources of Guidance in Brazil and The United States in light of national cultural characteristics. Athayde, Torres, and Thomason (2022a) Authors who empirically tested correlations between personal values and the use of sources of guidance at work. Athayde, Torres, and Thomason (2002b) Authors who empirically tested the influence of personal values and dark personality traits on the use of sources of guidance at work.…”