Individual Values and Perceived Corporate Values : An Empirical Approach

The aim of this investigation was to demonstrate that value structures of university students influence their attraction to organizations that show corporate values similar to their value priorities. Using critical incidents analysis, four Spanish organizations were selected. These organizations are representative of Schwartz's four high-order values (1992), according to asurvey of 108 students. Value structures were identified through the use of the Schwartz's Value Survey applied to 105 university students.A question simulating an employment offer from each organization was included in the questionnaire. Each student's value structure was analyzed on the basis of his organization of choice. This analysis allowed us to identify profiles matching a student with the perceived values of the selected company