On the relations among work value orientations, psychological need satisfaction and job outcomes: a self-determination theory approach

• Published in: Journal of occupational and organizational psychology Vol. 80; no. 2; pp. 251 - 277
• Main Authors: Vansteenkiste, Maarten, Neyrinck, Bart, Niemiec, Christopher P, Soenens, Bart, Witte, Hans De, Broeck, Anja Van den
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2007
• Subjects: Autonomy; Industrial psychology; Organization; Satisfaction; Self-determination; Skills; Value orientation
• ISSN: 0963-1798
• DOI: 10.1348/096317907X111024

Using self-determination theory, two studies found that holding an extrinsic, relative to an intrinsic, work value orientation was associated with less positive outcomes (i.e. less satisfaction with, dedication to and vitality while on the job) and more negative outcomes (i.e. higher emotional exhaustion, short-lived satisfaction after successful goal-attainment, and turn-over intention). These relations were not limited to job outcomes, but also emerged using indicators of employees' general mental health. Moreover, income level did not moderate these relations. Study 2 found that holding an extrinsic, relative to an intrinsic, work value orientation was detrimental to employees' job outcomes because these orientations thwarted the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness at work. Reprinted by permission of the British Psychological Society