What is Work Values & Motivators?
Work Values identify the core motivators that drive professional satisfaction: Achievement, Independence, Recognition, Relationships, Support, and Working Conditions. Based on the Theory of Work Adjustment developed at the University of Minnesota, this framework predicts job satisfaction and retention more reliably than skills or experience alone.
Key Dimensions
Achievement
Driven by results, mastery, and visible accomplishment
Independence
Values autonomy, self-direction, and freedom in how work gets done
Recognition
Motivated by acknowledgment, status, and external validation
Relationships
Prioritizes teamwork, collaboration, and positive social dynamics
Support
Values organizational backing, fair management, and clear policies
Working Conditions
Prioritizes environment quality, work-life balance, and stability
How We Use Work Values in Compatibility Scoring
EQIQs compares work value profiles to predict how two professionals will align on priorities, resource allocation, and definitions of success. Matching work values significantly reduces friction in partnerships and teams.
Why Work Values Matters
Two talented people working toward different definitions of 'success' will always feel misaligned. Work values compatibility is the hidden driver of professional partnerships.
Who Uses Work Values?
Gallup
Built the Q12 employee engagement survey on motivational alignment principles
Zappos
Famously offers new employees $2,000 to quit — testing values alignment over skills
LinkedIn Talent Solutions
Uses motivational data to improve employer-candidate matching
💡 Did you know?
The University of Minnesota's Work Values research found that values-job fit predicts 5-year retention better than salary, skills, or performance reviews.
Research & Further Reading
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