Schwartz Values Survey — complete reference

Shalom Schwartz's model of 10 universal human values found across cultures. One of the most influential frameworks in cross-cultural psychology.

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Origins

Developed by Shalom H. Schwartz (1992). Empirically validated across 70+ countries. Heavily cited in cross-cultural psychology and career-values research.

The 10 values (grouped into 4 higher-order dimensions)

  • Self-Transcendence — Universalism, Benevolence
  • Self-Enhancement — Achievement, Power, Hedonism
  • Openness to Change — Self-Direction, Stimulation
  • Conservation — Tradition, Conformity, Security

Career relevance

Self-Transcendence predicts satisfaction in prosocial careers (medicine, education, social work). Self-Enhancement predicts satisfaction in competitive/high-status careers (finance, law, entrepreneurship). Values-to-career fit is a real predictor of long-run career satisfaction.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a right or wrong values profile?

No. Different values fit different careers. The goal is match — a Self-Transcendence-high person in a high-Self-Enhancement career (or vice versa) will struggle with meaning.

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