Perceptions of Work and Nonwork

Abstract

A sample of 178 individuals was asked to describe their work experiences, nonwork experiences, and their self-concept using the same set of 25 semantic differential scales. The same individuals also provided information regarding some limited aspects of their nonwork behavior. Comparisons of the semantic differential descriptions permitted each individual to be classified into one of the following four types: Spillover- Work-oriented, Spillover-Nonwork-oriented, Compensatory-Work-oriented, and Compensatory-Nonwork-oriented. Analysis of the content of the descriptions revealed that spillover individuals of both types described their work and nonwork experiences in positive terms. Compensatory individuals, however, showed sharp contrasts. Those who were work-oriented appeared to compensate for the level of variety, creativity, and challenge of their work by choosing nonwork activities with less of these characteristics. Compensatory-Nonwork-oriented individuals, however, compensated in the opposite direction and appeared to be actively making up for deprivations at work in their choice of nonwork activities.