Patterns of Work Goal Importance: A Comparison of Singapore and Taiwanese Managers

Abstract

Contrary to a belief commonly held, significant differences have been found between Singapore and Taiwanese managers in respect of the importance they attach to various work goals. The comparison is based on the results of a cluster analysis conducted on three nomethetic goal factors. The four patterns of work goal importance identified include passive stoics, moralistic enthusiasts, aloof turned-offs, and pragmatic individualists. These findings call for new explanations for the differences beyond the conventional cultural and occupational factors.