2

Work Adjustment Theory

Step 1:

Gaining self-understanding

Abilities - Encompass aptitudes (predicted skills) and acquired skills

General Aptitude Test Battery

general learning verbal abilitynumerical ability spatial abilityform perception clerical abilityeye-hand coordination finger dexteritymanual dexterity

Interests - Derived from values and abilities

Values - Represent a group of needs, measured by the Minnesota Importance Questionnaire

Slide 1 for Chapter 3

3

Work Adjustment Theory: Values and Needs

Achievement Status SafetyAbility utilization Advancement Company policiesAchievement Recognition and practices

Authority Supervision -Social Status human relations

Supervision - technical

Comfort Altruism AutonomyActivity Co-workers CreativityIndependence Moral values ResponsibilityVariety Social ServicesCompensationSecurityWorking Conditions

Slide 2 for Chapter 3

4

Slide 3 for Chapter 3

Work Adjustment Theory

Step 2:

Obtaining Knowledge about the World of Work

Ability Patterns - Abilities that are important to an occupation as determined by job analysts and GATB scores.

verbal ability form perception finger dexteritynumerical ability clerical ability manual dexterityspatial ability eye-hand coordination

Value Patterns - values that are reinforced by an occupation as determined by patterns of responses to the Minnesota Job Description Questionnaire.

Achievement Status Safety

Comfort Altruism Autonomy

5

Slide 4 for Chapter 3

Work Adjustment Theory

Step 3:

Integrating Information about Self and the World of Work

The Minnesota Occupational Classification System matches

AbilitiesGeneral Aptitude Test Battery Occupational Ability Pattern

ValuesMinnesota Importance Questionnaire Values Pattern

PersonalityThe following factors describe a person’s adjustment to an occupation:

flexibility, activeness, reactiveness, and perseverance.

Slide 5 for Chapter 3Work Adjustment Theory

Assessment Instruments

Minnesota Importance Questionnaire

Minnesota Job Description Questionnaire

Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire

Minnesota Satisfactoriness Scales

7

Satisfaction Grid for WorkAdjustment Theory

Plot your own grid using values from the MIQ for your current or another job.

SATISFACTION

Low Moderate High

From Thompson and Blain (1992).

Low

IMPORTANCE

Low

Moderate

High

Slide 6 for Chapter 3