PERCEPTION OF RURAL DWELLERS TOWARDS CHANGE IN WORK VALUES IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study analysed the perception of rural dwellers towards change in work values in Ondo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to ascertain the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents in the study area; identify the prominent work values among the respondents in the study area; evaluate their perception towards identified work values in the study area; evaluate the respondents perception of change in work values in the study area; and determine the key factors influencing the change in work values among the respondents in the study area. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed for data collection from 120 respondents in the study area. Primary data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Both descriptive and inferential statistics which includes frequencies and percentages; multiple regression analysis, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) were used in analysing the data collected. The study revealed that the average age was about 56 years, ±14.5. Majority (67.0%) of the respondents were males and married (89.2%), with an average household size of 7 persons ±2. Educational attainment was low with only 18.4% having completed secondary education and above in the study area. Farming was the predominant occupation practiced by the majority (58.0%) of the respondents in the study area, with a low monthly average household income of N16, 888. Majority (67.0%) of the respondents belonged to the Christian faith. It was further revealed that diligence, dedication, hard work and honesty were perceived to be the very prominent work values in the study area. Educational attainment (𝛽 = 0.19**), population (𝛽 = 0.54**), closeness/proximity to other communities (𝛽 = 0.27**), good road network (𝛽 = 0.15**), good educational facilities (𝛽 = 0.16**) and exposure to media (𝛽 = -0.18**) were the key factors influencing change in work values in the study area. Religion (p = 0.019) was the only socioeconomic factor that significantly influences the perception of respondents on the prominence of work values in the study area. The study revealed that there was consensus on respondent’s perception on the change in work values as there was no significant difference in the perception of respondents on change in work values based on differences in age (p = 0.568), gender (p = 0.348), marital status (p = 0.136), educational level (p = 0.881), occupation (p = 0.606), religion (p = 0.699) and monthly income (p = 0.926). The study also revealed that there is a significant relationship (r = -0.629, p < 0.05) between the respondents’ perception on the prominence of work values and their perception on change in work values in the study area. The study however concluded that work values have moderately changed in the study area. The study recommended boosting the perception of the respondents on work values through media using jingles that will promote work values. Also, religious institutions should be encouraged to preach more on work values so as to preserve the moral and ethical values of the society.