Original scientific paper
Universals in the Content and Structure of Values: Croatian Evidence
Ivana FERIĆ
Abstract
The theory of universal content and structure of values proposed
by Schwartz distinguishes ten types of values according to their
motivational goals. The theory also postulates a structure of
relations among the value types, based on the conflicts and
compatibilities experienced when pursuing them. Cross-cultural
studies have supported the near universality of the contents of
10 value types and of their structure of relations to one another.
Deviations from the theory-based, prototypical structure were
observed in several East European countries, possibly reflecting
the experience of living under communist regimes. The main
goal of this research was to investigate the content and relations
of value types in Croatia, and to compare the observed structure
of relationships among value types with a hypothetical structure.
227 subjects (students) completed the Croatian version of the
Schwartz Value Survey, rating the importance of each value on a
nine-point scale (from –1 to 7) "as a guiding principle in my life".
The content and structure of values were analyzed using
Guttman-Lingoes Smallest Space Analysis. It was found that 56
single values organize clearly into 10 distinct regions that
correspond with motivational value types in the theory. Five of
the 56 values did not emerge in postulated regions thus
revealing the possible inconsistency of meaning. Nevertheless,
the reported results compare favorably to previous findings and
give empirical support for the structural organization of ten
motivational types revealing all hypothesized conflicts and
compatibilities among the value types.
Keywords
Schwartz; theory of values; value structure; cross-cultural differences; Croatia
Hrčak ID:
18918
URI
Publication date:
30.4.2007.
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