Abstract
M.A.
Over the past 40 years, work values have gained prominence and have become included into vocational theory along with aptitudes and interests. Clarifying one's values is an enabling step in making informed and congruent decisions, leading to higher levels of satisfaction. A choice of career is an important decision in terms of adult life roles with significant long term consequences. As a person's stated values may differ from their actually held values, identifying one's values through a more objective manner may be beneficial. Engelbrecht (1993) developed a questionnaire after recognising the need for a South African tested work value indicator, which was named the South African Work Value Questionnaire. The Questionnaire measures four specific value factors, namely, power distance, collectivity, development and growth, and participation and involvement. The aim of this study was to establish norm tables for the South African Work Value Questionnaire. The study is quantitative and psychometric and nature. In the study a theoretical basis and relevant research to values, work values and study specific work values were firstly provided. The data capturing and statistical analysis procedures were then given, after which a detailed description of the sample group, on which the tentative norm tables were drawn up, was discussed. The reference group consisted of 1 356 respondents from the Gauteng region between the developmental stages of late adolescence and early adulthood. The sample was on the verge of job entry in terms of career decidedness and aspired to mid or high level careers. The study ends of with the limitations of the norm establishment and possible recommendations for further research.