The document discusses Edgar Schein's concept of career anchors or values, which reflect deep aspects of a person like autonomy and independence that they would not give up when faced with difficult choices. Schein found that values help predict satisfying and dissatisfying occupations. It emphasizes the importance of determining if a career opportunity aligns with one's core values, as values alignment leads to greater job satisfaction and performance. It includes an exercise to identify the reader's top values.

1. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Career Development
Values
Edgar Schein (1993) developed the concept of career
anchors/values. Values reflect deep and far-reaching aspects of
the person and are aspects such as autonomy, independence,
security etc. that a person would not give up even if faced with a
difficult choice. Schein clearly identifies the necessity of taking
account of values as they help to predict which
occupations are likely to satisfy and which are likely to
lead to conflict and dissatisfaction.
(Work Psychology 2005)

2. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Career Development
Values
Values are the beliefs, principles and standards that are
important to you and what you are looking for in a job and for
your working life.

3. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Career Development
Values
When considering career development opportunities it is very
important to determine if your core values can be satisfied.
Many people do not take their values into account when making
a career decision.

4. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Values
While every role involves some degree of sacrifice and/or
compromise, when a role is reasonably in line with our values it
results in greater job satisfaction, fulfillment and enhanced
performance in the longer term. A harmonious
relationship between one’s core values and those of the
role or employing organisation is important.

5. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Values
Exercise page 4

6. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Score the following “Values” from 1-10 with 10 being the most
important to you
Values
Exercise

7. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
• Being Expert – Known as someone with special knowledge or
skills
• Challenge – Demanding tasks that test my abilities
• Teamwork - Work collaboratively with others
• Low Pressure – Avoid demanding work environments
• Influencing Others – Persuade people to come around to my
point of view
• Variety – A diverse set of tasks and challenges at work
• Status – Position that earns me privilege and prestige
Values
Exercise

8. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Values
Exercise
• Adventure – Risk-taking role
• Work/Life – Good balance between work and personal life
• Routine – Work that is predictable
• Fast-Pace – High pressure work environment
• Family – Spending quality time with family and close friends
• Precision Work – Detailed work requiring high level of
accuracy
• Competition – Work activities which measure my
abilities against others

9. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Values
Exercise
• Excitement – High levels of excitement and stimulation in work
• Recognition – Receive acknowledgement and credit for work
• Managing – Overseeing the activities and work of others
• Security – Steady reliable employment with a pension
• Health – Lead a healthy lifestyle
• Achievement – Sense of accomplishment from work
• Supportive Work Environment – Receive assistance
and encouragement at work

10. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Values
Exercise
• Creativity – Generating new ideas
• Independence – Freedom to make my own decisions
• Moral Values – Work in accord with personal principles and
beliefs
• Authority – Power to make decisions
• Responsibility – Being accountable for my work and the work
of others
• Autonomy – Freedom to plan and schedule my work
• Friendship – Have strong relationships around my role

11. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Values
Exercise
List five values that you have identified as being the most
important to you
Understanding Your Core Values: Detailed
explanation/exploration of your core values