Activity: How much does your work define your self-concept?

The source of this scale is: Adapted from: R. N. Kanungo, Work Alienation: An Integrative Approach (New York: Praeger, 1982 ).

Work is an important part of our lives, but some people view it as secondary to other life interests whereas others view work as central to their identity as individuals. The following scale estimates the extent to which you view work as a central or not-so-central life interest. Read each of the statements below and decide how accurate each one is in describing your focus in life. Then use the scoring key in Appendix B at the end of this book to calculate your results. Remember that there are no right or wrong answers to these questions. Also, this self-assessment should be completed alone so that you can rate yourself honestly without concerns of social comparison. Class discussion will focus on the meaning of this scale and its relevance to self-concept and perceptions.