Core and peripheral values: An over time analysis of work values in Israel

The longitudinal research presented here is unique, having examined a model of stability and change in work values of the same people over the course of time. The purpose was to reflect the changes in work values that occurred in Israel during this period. The research focused on three domains: work goals, job satisfaction, and work centrality. Following an analysis of research literature, a model of work values was examined by the LISREL method. Instrumental and expressive goals effected work centrality both directly and indirectly (through job satisfaction as mediating factor). While in 1981 only the positive effect of expressive goals on work centrality was significant, the 1993 analysis revealed that beyond the positive effect of expressive goals, there is also significant negative effect of instrumental goals on work centrality. Our research shows that the main changes occurred in peripheral values (work goals) as compared with the stability of core values (work centrality). Slight changes occurred in semi-peripheral values (job satisfaction).