The use of values and social identity to investigate occupational culture : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University

Abstract

The present study applies the concept of organisational culture to the culture of psychology in New Zealand. It examined, from a multiple cultures perspective, the existence of an overall, general culture of psychology, and as well as investigating the existence of subcultures in groups defined by specialty, role, and sex. The study also provided an opportunity to compare a more traditional approach to investigating culture (values) with a more novel approach (social identity). Members of the New Zealand Psychological Society (n = 174) completed two versions of a Work Values Survey and an Identification Scale as part of a membership survey. Results were analysed using Principal Components Analysis. Analysis of values showed that there was some similarity among psychologists when they considered psychology in general, and some differences when considering their specialty. Differences were also found between academics and practitioners, and males and females. Analysis of identification produced results similar to those of values when looking at specialties and roles, but no differences were found between males and females. The results were discussed in terms of their support for a multiple cultures view, their use to the New Zealand Psychological Society, and their support of the use of Social Identity Theory for investigating cultural complexity in occupations and organisations.