The meaning and dimensions of Islamic work ethic: initial validation of a multidimensional IWE in Iranian society

This study compares Islamic Work Ethic literature with Islamic teachings for investigating an Islamic Work Ethic Construction in Iran's context as an Islamic country. The result of comparison is the IWE 7 dimensional construct. This construct is examined with a sample group consisting of 262 individuals, and its validity is investigated through factor analysis. The result of the analysis indicated that the IWE items apply with six dimensions instead of the seven, and the six factors explain 59% of the variances in observant. The key findings of the analysis also indicated that the amount of IWE in Iran is higher than the average, specifically with the people from lower socio-economic status than those from higher socio-economic backgrounds. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of the 2nd World Conference on Psychology, Counselling and Guidance.