Having an interesting job was the most important value
for U.S. students, as well as for subjects from Germany
and Holland. Subjects from Israel, Korea, and Taiwan
also ranked job interest as one of the top three work
values. Subjects from China and Hungary viewed job
interest less importantly, ranking it at eighth and
seventh place, respectively.
The second-ranking work value for the U.S. subjects
was achievement, which was also ranked first or second
by subjects from all countries except Germany.
Surprisingly, German subjects, who were small-business
managers and employees or business students, ranked
achievement in ninth place.
When compared to German subjects, U.S. subjects
placed much higher value on advancement and
responsibility, while German subjects placed much
higher emphasis on benefits, security, and supervision.
A final difference of interest is that while U.S. subjects—
along with subjects from Germany, Holland, Israel, and
Taiwan—placed contribution to society in last or next to
last place, subjects from China ranked it much higher,
fourth place, apparently as a result of their collective
culture.^32
