Opuscula Sociologica

This paper is devoted to the role of self-realization and material values in the formation of work situation of people who run individual business activity. The results of several research projects (including entrepreneurs) accomplished by the author in the years 1996–2011 in the province of Lublin were used as empirical materials. A comparative analysis of values connected with work (aims, functions, expectations) and which are present in different social-professional categories was conducted. In this aspect, the reasons for undertaking self-employment were discussed. Then, on the basis of a collection of indexes, complex variables – orientations towards values – were formed. Orientation towards self-realization and material orientation were useful tools in analyzing the specificity of the collectivity of entrepreneurs and its inner differentiation. The orientations describe the ways of perceiving the sphere of work, they are connected with professional resources of entrepreneurs, they form decisions and professional actions which, together, form a work situation.