WORK: Its

Definition,
Classification,
Elements and
Dimensions
Jean C. Gonzales, MAED, LPT
The Meaning of Work
Work-as man’s effort applied to the production of
goods. It is the effort of mind or body, partially or
wholly applied to the product of utilities. -Paul Glenn
(1965)

In ethics, the term labour is associated with the

economist and the sociologist. It refers to the work that
is done, wholly or partially for self-support or gain. It
refers to the task which is done with corresponding
remuneration, or simply for a wage or a salary.
The Meaning of Work
Work is a unique human phenomenon.
It refers to any human activity wherein
man is consciously, seriously, freely
and responsibly, makes use of his
strengths and abilities in such a way
that he transforms an object to give it
greater value so that it would better
serve his needs and those of others.
CLASSIFICATION OF WORK
Tuazon, et al, (1978)
1. Mental work. This refer to those types of activities in
which remembering, thinking, reasoning, judging, and
others, are utilized. This has reference to our intellect
like teaching, accounting, bookkeeping and the like.

2. Physical work. This refers to those activities where

speed, coordination and intensity of muscular
responses are the concern of the individual. This has
reference to our body and muscles like being a laborer,
janitor, construction worker and the like.
CLASSIFICATION OF WORK
Antonio Ozaeta ( 1986) cited by
Mison, et al, (1990_) in his
articles, “ strategies
1. Blue-collar or manualinworkers.
turbulent These
environment”:
include all those who account for direct labor
costs.

2. White collar or Knowledge workers. These

include accountants, clerks, tellers,
programmers, supervisors and executives.
ELEMENTS OF WORK (cited by
Mison, etDesire,
1. Will power- al, 1990)
motive, ways

is man’s faculty which actually determines his choice

and enables him to make and act on a decision. An
individual has the inclination to do something, without
being told or directed by anybody. It is the will which
enables man to discipline himself, to choose and
uphold universal truths and to sustain their
implementation.
ELEMENTS OF WORK (cited by
Mison, et-Aims,
2. Objectives al, targets,
1990)goals
refers to a goal objectives signify cooperative teamwork
among the workers, under the guidance of a leader.
Goals must be specific, measurable, attainable,
realistic, and within a time frame which is guided by our
responsibility to the organization and to the people we
serve.
ELEMENTS OF WORK (cited by
Mison, et -Perception,
3. Knowledge al, 1990)understanding, wisdom
is a person’s ability to extract the essence of
objects and to reflect on them. To analyze and
generalize, to be creative and be able to think
critically. It includes a theoretical or practical
understanding. This is the mental capacity
that enables man or the worker to understand
the objective, the nature of the work and the
requirements of the job clearly.
ELEMENTS OF WORK (cited by
Mison, et al, 1990)
4. Responsibility - Commitment, love,
reliability

refers to the obligatory duty in which a

person is confined by reason of his
status, occupations.
Responsibility Three Main Elements
of Conduct - means action in conformity with
1. Compliance
directives that flow down from superiors to
subordinates. This refers to responsibility and
performance.
2. Obedience- means submission to the guidance of an
authority. This refers to responsible for person.
3.Dependability- means reliability and trustworthiness.
This refers to confidence that develops when task are
commensurate with capabilities. This means
responsibility for duty.
Factors that Affect Work
1. Work Environment
2. Workplace Culture
3. Workload
4. Training and Development
5. Leadership
Factors that Affect Work
6. Communication
7. Health and Wellness
8. Technology and Equipment
9. Incentives and Rewards
10. Personal Factors
Personality Types of Worker
1. Realistic (Do’er) – Prefers physical activities that require skill,
strength, and coordination. Traits include genuine, stable,
conforming, and practical. Example professions include
architect, farmer, and engineer.
2. Investigative (Thinker) – Prefers working with theory and
information, thinking, organizing, and understanding. Traits
include: analytical, curious, and independent. Example
professions include lawyer, mathematician, and professor.
3. Artistic (Creator) – Prefers creative, original, and unsystematic
activities that allow creative expression. Traits include:
imaginative, disorderly, idealistic, emotional, and impractical.
Example professions include: artist, musician, and writer.
Personality Types of Worker
4. Social (Helper) – Prefers activities that involve helping,
healing, or developing others. Traits include cooperative,
friendly, sociable, and understanding. Example professions
include counselor, doctor, and teacher.
5. Enterprising (Persuader) – Prefers competitive environments,
leadership, influence, selling, and status. Traits include
ambitious, domineering, energetic, and self-confident. Example
professions include Management, Marketing, and Sales Person.
6. Conventional (Organizer) – Prefers precise, rule-regulated,
orderly, and unambiguous activities. Traits include
conforming, efficient, practical, unimaginative, and inflexible.
Example professions include accountant, clerk and editor.
Work Attitude
Working attitude refers to the feeling we have
or display towards the various aspects of the
working environment.
A positive work attitude refers to you having a
good sentiment and opinion of your work
environment. Having a positive work attitude
helps you be more excited about going to
work every day since you have a good outlook
on your future in the job.
Work Attitude that are Important
in Workplaces
1. Respect for Other
2. Infectious enthusiasm about life
3. Commitment to the job
4. Innovative ideas and finding
new ways
5. Helpfulness with others
Thank you and
God bless!