Work Values Test [TERGA-64]

Description

The Work Values Test (TERGA) is a psychometric career-guidance instrument designed to explore and measure an individual’s work values. These values represent important reference points for career choices, career development, and future occupational direction.

The revised version of the instrument is intended primarily for secondary school students aged 15–18 years and consists of 64 statements.

Purpose

The main purpose of the TERGA is to help individuals identify which aspects of working life they consider most important.

The assessment of work values can support:

• educational and career guidance,
• exploration of occupational preferences,
• decision making regarding studies and careers,
• better understanding of the motives that influence career choices.

Dimensions

The TERGA assesses nine major work values:

• Job security
• Leisure time
• Work environment
• Pay
• Financial rewards
• Creativity–innovation
• Recognition
• Mobility–travel
• Leadership–management

In addition, the instrument includes five secondary scales concerning rewards, ambitions, innovation, recognition, and work environment.

Scoring

Scoring is carried out at two levels:

1. assessment of the main subscales,
2. assessment of the secondary scales.

Responses are based on the degree to which the respondent agrees with the individual statements.

Higher scores on a particular dimension indicate that the corresponding work value is more important to the individual when considering occupational choices.

Validity

The validity of the TERGA was examined through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. According to the provided material, the results support the adequacy of the theoretical model underlying the instrument.

Reliability

The reported reliability coefficients for the individual work-value dimensions are:

• Job security: 0.70
• Leisure time: 0.64
• Work environment: 0.76
• Financial rewards: 0.72
• Creativity: 0.76
• Recognition: 0.79
• Leadership–management: 0.77
• Mobility–travel: 0.73

These values indicate generally moderate to satisfactory internal consistency across the assessed dimensions.

Data Analysis and Use

The results can be used to construct an individual work-values profile.

Comparison of the subscale scores can reveal which aspects of working life are considered most important, such as financial rewards, security, creativity, recognition, or opportunities for leadership.

Applications

The TERGA may be used in school and career guidance, career counseling, and educational research.

Its use can help students better understand their personal priorities and explore educational and occupational options that are more compatible with their work values.

Reference

Chatzi, A., & Chatzistamatiou, M. (2008). Psychometric Tools for Career Guidance: User Manual. Athens: Pedagogical Institute.