Valued work outcomes among Jews, Muslims and Christians in Israel : The effect of cultural and demographic variables

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine work outcomes preferences of Jewish, Muslim and Christian employees. The study attempts to explain the similarities and the differences among the ethno-religious groups. Design/methodology/approach The Meaning-of-Work (MOW) questionnaire was conducted on 898 Jews, 215 Muslims and 103 Christians working respondents. The work outcomes were: status and prestige, income, time filling, interpersonal relations, serving society, interest and satisfaction. Findings Significant differences were found between the three ethno-religious groups, especially between Jews and Muslims, regarding the preferences of work outcomes and their rankings. The findings can be explained mainly by cultural differences. Research limitations/implications There is the unbalanced proportion of Jews, Muslims and Christians in the study. Practical implications This study provides a better understanding of the three ethno-religious groups and their valued work outcomes. This knowledge can help in the planning of material and non-material rewards systems and methods suitable to the different ethnic groups. Implementing “Diversity Management” programs in organizations based on the variance among sub-groups can maximize the potential of the organizational human resources. Originality/value There are no other studies that compared the work values of Jews, Muslims and Christians, in or out of Israel. This study explores the work outcomes preferences of the three ethno-religious groups in Israel and the causes for those differences.