Meaning of Work - patterns and cultural influences

In the last byte, we looked at the definitions of work and job. In today's byte, we look at the meaning of work. 

The meaning of a work differs from person to person and also varies across cultures. The meaning of work refers to the way a person interprets and understands the value of work as part of life. 

In a study spanning six different countries, researchers found six patterns people follow to define work. Following is brief description of these 6 patterns:

Pattern A: - people define work as an activity in which value come from performance and for which a person in accountable. It is generally self- directed and devoid of negative effect.
Pattern B: - people define work as an activity that provides a person with positive personal affect and identity. Work contributes to society and is not unpleasant.
Pattern C: - people define work as an activity from which profit accrues to others by its performance and that may be done in various settings other than a working place. Work is usually devoid of positive affect and is unpleasantly connected to performance.
Pattern D: - people define work as primarily a physical activity a person must do that is directed by others and generally performed in a working place. Work is usually devoid of positive affect and is unpleasantly connected to performance.
Pattern E: - people define work as a physically and mentally strenuous activity. It is generally unpleasant and devoid of positive affect.
Pattern F: - people define work as an activity constrained to specific time periods that does not bring positive affect through its performance

The above clearly identifies the way culture influences the meaning of work.