The Meaning of Money: An Individual-Difference Perspective

Abstract

We discuss individual differences in the meanings people attach to money. We briefly review the management theory and research that describe money as a motivator and how attitudes about pay influence behavior. Following this is a section on money as an individual-difference construct, how it is defined and measured, and to what it is related. We conclude the article with a discussion of how an understanding of this individual-difference variable can further our theory, research, and practice in the areas of human resource management and organizational behavior.