Work Values Contrasts at the Associate and Baccalaureate Student Levels in the Medical Laboratory Sciences

Abstract

The work values patterns of female and male students at the two- and four-year levels of an allied health profession have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to examine these patterns in students at the associate and baccalaureate levels of the clinical laboratory sciences occupational area. Responses from 320 students on Super's Work Values Inven tory led to the conclusion that the two-year students placed greater emphasis on extrinsic values related to work outcomes. Additionally, male students (who are the minority sex in this discipline) maintained a more masculine work values profile stressing independence and management in comparison with female respondents. Therefore, a student's educational level or sex has an impact on his/her work orientation. These differences in work values were demonstrable despite commonality in career choice. The significance of these findings is discussed.

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