Research on work values is affected by construct proliferation, weak theoretical integration, and sociocultural blind spots. We address these issues by grounding work values in a motivational continuum via the Circular Work Value Theory. We introduce the modular Circular Work Value Scale (CWVSmod), assessing work values at three levels of abstraction. Across four studies (N = 7,516), we develop, validate, and norm the scales.Study 1 used algorithm-based item selection to construct three scales. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated acceptable fit and measurement invariance (MI) held across age and gender. Study 2 examined cross-language validity: strict MI across countries was supported, correlations with higher-order basic values aligned with theory. Study 3 mapped the nomological network, yielding largely expected convergent/discriminant patterns with personality traits and work behaviors consistent with the circumplex structure. Study 4 provided representative German norms for one module by age, gender, and education; strict MI across demographics and time, and retest reliability, were supported. Across all four studies, the circumplex structure of conflict and compatibility was largely corroborated, with observable deviations of Hedonism-Compatibility. The CWVSmod offers theory-consistent, psychometrically robust, and comparable assessments while its modular design enables efficient screening and fine-grained diagnostics.