Our parents influence our view of work.
17 February 2014
Read by 2271 persons
Text: According to University of Michigan researchers, the interest and value we place on our job are largely determined by our parents' opinions on work.
According to a University of Michigan study, it seems that parents' ideas about employment play a more significant role in our view of work than religion, personality, or profession.
"This study shows it, the meaning we give to work is deeply rooted," explains Kathryn Dekas, People Analytics Manager at Google. "We are influenced by how our parents viewed their work, regardless of whether or not we pursue the same profession later. Children carry their parents' ideas throughout their careers."
Job, career and vocation
According to, in particular, a study by Amy Wrzesniewski (Yale School of Management), there are three ways of viewing work: from the point of view of employment, career or vocation.
Individuals focused on employment mainly see their work as a means, for example, of receiving financial compensation. They pursue their passions in areas unrelated to work. As a result, they are more enthusiastic than others to stop working to retire once they have earned enough.
The identity of career-oriented individuals, on the other hand, is based on work and not on remuneration. These individuals mainly see their work as an opportunity to increase their social status, prestige, and benefits.
Finally, individuals with a 'vocation' mentality primarily see work as a means of accessing their passion and fulfilling themselves. In addition, they often believe that their work has a positive impact on the world.
Influence of parents?
The new University of Michigan study shows that it is mainly fathers who have an influence in the development of "career orientation." For a "vocation orientation," both parents play a role model.
Participants who have a good relationship with their father seem, moreover, to be more likely to copy the father's career. A close relationship with the mother during adolescence would influence an employment orientation once adult.
External influences can diminish the impact of parents, according to researcher Wayne Baker. "If you work in a struggling industry, the influence of parents disappears," Baker explains. "I think it's hard to think about the higher purpose of work when you fear for your job."
(nm/sc) - Sources: Ns.umich.edu & Express.be
Jobat.be
Posted online on February 17, 2014.
According to a University of Michigan study, it seems that parents' ideas about employment play a more significant role in our view of work than religion, personality, or profession.
"This study shows it, the meaning we give to work is deeply rooted," explains Kathryn Dekas, People Analytics Manager at Google. "We are influenced by how our parents viewed their work, regardless of whether or not we pursue the same profession later. Children carry their parents' ideas throughout their careers."
Job, career and vocation
According to, in particular, a study by Amy Wrzesniewski (Yale School of Management), there are three ways of viewing work: from the point of view of employment, career or vocation.
Individuals focused on employment mainly see their work as a means, for example, of receiving financial compensation. They pursue their passions in areas unrelated to work. As a result, they are more enthusiastic than others to stop working to retire once they have earned enough.
The identity of career-oriented individuals, on the other hand, is based on work and not on remuneration. These individuals mainly see their work as an opportunity to increase their social status, prestige, and benefits.
Finally, individuals with a 'vocation' mentality primarily see work as a means of accessing their passion and fulfilling themselves. In addition, they often believe that their work has a positive impact on the world.
Influence of parents?
The new University of Michigan study shows that it is mainly fathers who have an influence in the development of "career orientation." For a "vocation orientation," both parents play a role model.
Participants who have a good relationship with their father seem, moreover, to be more likely to copy the father's career. A close relationship with the mother during adolescence would influence an employment orientation once adult.
External influences can diminish the impact of parents, according to researcher Wayne Baker. "If you work in a struggling industry, the influence of parents disappears," Baker explains. "I think it's hard to think about the higher purpose of work when you fear for your job."
(nm/sc) - Sources: Ns.umich.edu & Express.be
Jobat.be
Posted online on February 17, 2014.
