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Work ethic has historically been linked to financial success of individuals and is an multi-dimensional attribute desired by employers. Employers often state the need for a high level of work ethic, but have difficulty quantifing and defining work ethic. This book explores the historical development of work ethic as an acceptable and desired norm. Work ethic is often described as a social expectation and ascribed to specific cultures. However, work ethic is also used to describe specific attributes of individuals regardless of cultural identity. This book discusses the theories of the development. The book also reviews relevant literature to define and quantify work ethic. Employers often make hiring decisions based on perceptions of positive work ethic by employement status, age and gender. This book explores the validity of such decisions and offers methods for increasing work ethic of employees.

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Susan Fowler Fouts is active in professional and workforce development. She holds an undergraduate degree in clinical laborary science, a master´s degree in buisness administration from Western Carolina University and a doctorate in Adult and Commuity College Education from North Carolina State University.

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