Confucianism and work ethic: introducing the ReVaMB model

We explore the relationship between Confucian values and the “Western” concept of Work Ethic, and introduce our ReVaMB model, Relative Values and Moderated Behavior, as a framework for study. We draw from established models of the link between beliefs and behavior, and argue that current measures of values and beliefs in isolation (normative measures) are insufficient to understand choices of alternative behaviors. But it is the relative importance of potentially competing values (ipsative measures), within the context of particular situations, that affect behavior. We demonstrate the ReVaMB model as a template for understanding Confucian values and work ethic, and conclude with examples of how existing measures of different values and behavioral constructs can be turned into relative measures.