Why work? : Aligning foci and dimensions of commitment along the axes of the competing values framework

Purpose – This paper aims to gain insight into the psychological dynamics of work motivation; specific work values are related to foci and dimensions of commitment to understand how different values influence people's commitments. Design/methodology/approach – A survey from a hospital ( n =222) was analyzed on the relationships between organizational values, individual values, affective and normative commitment on both an organizational and an occupational level. Findings – Results supported the proposition that dimensions of commitment can be aligned along the flexibility‐control axis of the competing values framework (CVF) and that the foci of commitment can be aligned along the internal‐external axis of the CVF but, in line with recent findings, congruence effects were absent. Research limitations/implications – Although small effect sizes were found, and results based on self‐report have to be handled cautiously, the hypothesized pattern was found for affective and normative organizational and occupational commitment. This gives insights into the values associated with these types of commitments. Practical implications – Specific values which are found to be related to specific kinds of commitment can direct strategies for influencing commitments in organizational contexts. Originality/value – As specific values are linked to specific commitments, practitioners gain insight into which values may lead to a specific kind of commitment, enabling them to develop strategies for enhancing commitment, and academics see how the CVF corresponds to newly developed insights into commitment research.