The Hedonism scale measures values that include having fun and entertaining others.  Higher scorers will desire excitement, variety, and a lifestyle organised around good food, entertaining friends, and fun times. In addition, an organisation that values Hedonism could be characterised as a work hard/play hard culture. To provide a deeper interpretation of the Hedonism scale, we look to the item themes. Provided below are brief descriptions of each of the Hedonism themes.

Lifestyles

Those scoring higher will likely create an environment around them that consists of taking time to enjoy those pleasures and excitements in life as well as having fun in their daily activities. This might include throwing a football while strategising about quarterly goals, organising group lunches or scheduling events that allow others to step away for a minute to relax and enjoy life. Lower scorers will likely be more inclined to remain task focused than to focus on entertainment.

Beliefs

People scoring higher on Beliefs tend to live their life according to what is entertaining to them and expressing their need to insert fun into their job. They believe in striking a balance between working hard and playing hard, and share their enthusiasm by getting others to “join the party”.  Lower scorers will tend to appear more earnest and likely express their need to get job done.

Occupational Preferences

Higher scorers prefer jobs that involve entertainment and recreation. They may seek out jobs that provide opportunities to travel or have incentives for longer vacation time and/or flexible work hours. These jobs may include travel and tourism, sales, sport/health/fitness, catering or hospitality. In addition, they likely will find ways to include fun or humour into their daily work activities. Lower scorers however will likely take a more serious approach to work and should prefer environments and jobs that are more businesslike.

Aversions

Those scoring higher may likely get frustrated with those who do not show appreciation for taking time to enjoy themselves, relax, or celebrate with others. They likely may assume those who don’t participate or choose not to engage in social activities are just “sticks-in-the-mud”. Lower scorers likely are not bothered by those who are more cut and dry, and likely don’t mind being around those who prefer getting down to business.

Preferred Associates

We likely will find higher scorers interacting with those who throw parties and create social functions that provide good food, good drinks, and entertainment. They likely will seek out those who share their value of taking time to relax and have fun. Lower scorers may not have the need to associate with those who strive to find fun and excitement in everything they do. They may also have difficulties with those who don’t share their devotion to a more task-focused environment.