Work Values of Hispanic and Mainstream Navy Recruits

摘要

Navy recruits (81 Hispanic and 79 Mainstream) responded to 132 Likert format items measuring work values. The items were based on Buchholz's five work ethics (Protestant work ethic, leisure ethic, organizational belief system, humanism, and Marxist-related belief system) as modified by Ross and Hulin. Cluster analyses revealed some similarities in the way Hispanics and Mainstream recruits responded, but there were also several culturally-specific clusters. Comparisons across those items with similar meanings (because they clustered similarly) suggested that the Hispancis are somewhat more ideological and collectivistic, emphasizing interpersonal cooperation and help. Both groups had moderately positive attitudes toward work, but the Hispanics tended to be more positive than Mainstream recruits. It is probable that the more positive Hispanic work values reflect two factors: Hispanics attempt to make a good impression to a greater extent than do Mainstream recruits, and the Navy is selecting Hispancis who have values similar to the values of the Mainstream recruits. The latter point has implications for Navy recruiting policies. (Author)