Study Reveals American Workers Fall Into Six Categories

Study Reveals American Workers Fall Into Six Categories

There are seemingly as many different approaches to work as there are working Americans. However, a new Shell Oil survey suggests most of the country's workforce can be grouped into six categories: fulfillment seekers, high achievers, clock punchers, risk takers, ladder climbers and paycheck cashers. Research shows each group represents about one-sixth of the workforce.

The poll, conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates, used a statistical technique called cluster analysis to group Americans by their core career goals and values. "In each group, you will recognize a friend, family member or colleague ? or perhaps even yourself," says Peter Hart.

"Fulfillment seekers" overwhelmingly believe a good job is one that allows them to use their talents to make a difference, rather than one that provides good income and benefits. Eighty-eight percent feel they have a career as opposed to a job, while eight in 10 prefer both working in a small business and a stable income, even if there is little chance of great financial success. America's teachers, nurses and public defenders are included in this group. Their motto: "It's not just a job, it's an adventure."

It's no surprise that "high achievers" make up the highest income group, with nearly one-quarter earning more than $75,000. This is also the group with the highest level of education. A majority hold managerial positions and are male. Further, a substantial number (47 percent) expect to work for four or fewer employers over their career, and 80 percent say they prefer the stability of one employer. Lawyers, surgeons and architects are among those in this category. Their motto: "I've wanted to be a (blank) since I was six years old."

"Clock punchers" proved to be the least career-oriented of any surveyed group, with 95 percent saying they have a job rather than a career. Further, 96 percent report they secured their employment largely by chance, with nearly three-quarters admitting they would make different choices if given another opportunity. This group is also the least satisfied, predominantly female, with the lowest household income (35 percent below $30,000) and the lowest level of education. Cashiers, waitresses and hospital orderlies fall into this area. Their motto: "Take this job and shove it!"

"Risk takers" are far more willing than others to take a chance for the opportunity of great financial gain (84 percent). Risk takers represent the only group that likes to move from employer to employer in search of the best job (76 percent). This group is young (45 percent are under the age of 35) and largely male. They are fairly well educated, with 43 percent holding college degrees, and have good incomes. Software entrepreneurs and car salespeople are classic risk takers. Their motto: "Show me the money!"

"Ladder climbers" are company people, with 93 percent saying they prefer the stability of staying with one employer for a long time. Half are baby boomers (ages 35 to 49). This group is the antithesis of fulfillment seekers. Corporate middle managers or foremen in skilled blue-collar jobs would fall into this group. Their motto: "Movin' on up."

"Paycheck cashers" generally prefer jobs that provide good income and benefits over ones that allow them to utilize their talents. This group is young (46 percent are under 35) and mostly male. Seventy percent do not have a college degree. Factory line workers and employees in small cubicles within large corporations are found in this category. Their motto: "Workin' for a livin'."

"These groupings provide us with a fascinating and useful road map to today's workforce," says Hart. The Shell Poll will perform a variety of quarterly polls to foster dialogue among Americans about substantive issues, values and lifestyles.

For more information or to see the full results of this poll, contact Kitty Borah or Stacy Hutchinson at Shell's media line.