Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between work values (WV) and expectations in terms of job quality (JQ) and workplace communication environment (WCE) of undergraduate students. Whether there are significant differences in terms of WV, JQ and WCE among cultural and demographic variables was also assessed. Design/methodology/approach – A survey of 795 undergraduate students in China, Thailand and United Arab Emirates was conducted. Structural equation modeling and a series of one-way analysis of variance tests was carried out. Findings – WV have significant effects on JQ expectations and WCE. This study identifies extrinsic values as the most important WV of the future job market entrants. There are differences in culture, gender and work experience between the three samples in the variables under investigation. Research limitations/implications – The study relied on the self-reported responses in one university in each site. Data on the undergraduate students’ major and academic performance was not collected. Practical implications – Job seekers are more likely to choose jobs and WCE that are similar to their personal work value orientation. The study underscores the importance of WV as important motivators in the workplace. Originality/value – This study is the first to compare the WV, JQ and WCE across multiple nations. The study underscores the importance of JQ and WCE as important motivators in the workplace.