Affiliation:
1. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Jerusalem Israel
2. Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveThe present study investigated personal values underlying career‐related preferences among young adults deliberating on their career choice. As a fundamental component of one's identity, personal values can offer valuable insights into how individuals prioritize their career‐related preferences.MethodWe employed two complementary approaches: variable‐centered and person‐centered, using a sample of 636 young adults (69.5% women; Mage = 21.9, SD = 2.12).ResultsUsing a variable‐centered approach, we identified 14 value‐expressive career‐related preferences, demonstrating that individuals are less willing to compromise on these preferences than on non value‐expressive preferences. Using a person‐centered approach, we applied latent profile analysis to identify four groups of young adults with distinct value profiles: (1) growth‐focus (n = 212; 33.3%), (2) protection‐focus (n = 206; 32.4%), (3) self‐focus (n = 122; 19.2%), and (4) social‐focus (n = 96; 15.1%). Importantly, the four profiles varied in 18 of 31 career‐related preferences, revealing the composition of values underlying these career preferences. Fourteen of these preferences were identified as value‐expressive in a variable‐centered approach.ConclusionThe two complementary approaches employed in the present study introduce a fine‐grained understanding of the value‐expressiveness of career‐related preferences.