The meaning of money

Abstract

Conducted an exploratory study to determine whether groups of persons who are clearly distinguishable on the basis of biography show measurable differences in what money means to them. Values about money were measured via a modified semantic differential in 11 different groups (N = 533) including hard-core trainees, employed persons, and college students. Results indicate that there are a variety of such differences and that these differences may be modified by work experience, sex, and socioeconomic level. Results are related to theories about money and motivation. The possibility of developing a variety of modifications in personnel practices in business is noted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)