Work Values and Career Adaptability of Chinese University Students

I conducted a survey to examine the relationship between work values and career adaptability in a sample of 407 Chinese university students. I validated an extrinsic–intrinsic work values structure through principal components analysis, based on self-determination theory. The results showed that extrinsic work values, such as the importance of high income and good working conditions, and intrinsic work values, such as emphasis on creativity and challenge, and a friendly workplace atmosphere, positively predicted the career adaptability of the participants. Thus, the driving force of both extrinsic and intrinsic work values meant that the students were likely to put effort into developing adaptive capabilities for their career development. The implications of these findings for career education and career counseling practice are discussed.