Value
Values are a dominant force that shape and determine the individual personality and behaviour. Values may not be always written down or expressed. But they are manifested through the behaviour of the individual and the groups. Individual values contribute to the group values. Values represent the basic conviction that a specific mode of conduct is acceptable or otherwise. Values have a great influence on the perceptions, attitudes and motivational patterns of people. Values are not constant; they keep on changing from person to person, place to place, time to time, situation to situation. Individual values may be different from group values. Values can be expressed by words, actions and behaviour.
Value may be defined as:
- ‘The worth of a person, an object or a situation which enables distinguishing between the right and the wrong, good and bad.'
- Values provide the standards of competence and morality
- Transcend specific objects/situations/persons
- Are relatively permanent and resistant to change
- Are most central to the personality of an individual
- Shape and determine behaviour in a group/society
Sources of Values
Values of individuals and groups are shaped by multiple social and institutional influences. The major sources of values are explained below:
- Family Family is the primary source of values. Parents, brothers, and sisters are guided us what we believe, how we act, and what we think is right and wrong. Values such as honesty, respect, discipline, and responsibility are usually learned at home during early childhood.
- Society Society significantly influences values through various social institutions such as schools, teachers, classmates, friends, and religious organizations. Education systems promote values like cooperation, fairness, and achievement, while peer groups influence social behavior, lifestyle choices, and ethical perceptions.
- Workplace The workplace contributes to value formation through interactions with superiors, colleagues, subordinates, customers, and suppliers. Organizational culture, leadership style, policies, and ethical standards shape employees’ values related to professionalism, teamwork, accountability, and work ethics.
- Government Government influences values through political systems, economic policies, laws, ideologies, and philosophies. National policies and governance structures affect values such as equality, justice, nationalism, social responsibility, and civic behavior.
Classifications of Values
Values guide human behavior and decision-making in personal, social, and professional life which is depending on what's important to us, we can sort values into different groups. Here are some main types of values with examples:
- Intellectual Values These values are all about finding truth, learning, and thinking clearly. People who value this stuff who enjoy learning, doing research, figuring things out, and thinking critically. They like facts and logical explanations more than just feelings or guesses. For Example: Think of a researcher running tests to prove a science idea or a student who loves working through tough problems and really getting how things work. That's intellectual values in action. So, in short Intellectual Values is discovering the truth through a critical approach and reasoning.
- Artistic Values - Artistic values have to do with beauty, design, and things looking good together. These values focus on liking art, nature, being creative, and things that look nice. People who care about the aesthetic values stuff notice colours, shapes, and how well things are balanced. For Example: An interior designer picking colours and layouts to make a room look great, or an artist making paintings that show beauty, is showing their artistic values. In short Artistic Values focus on - form, shape, size, color, proportions, quality, harmony, etc.
- Community or Social Values - These values are about relationships, helping each other, and caring about others. People who value this put helping people first, working well in groups, feeling for others, and keeping good relationships going. For Example: A social worker who helps communities that don't have much, or someone at work who helps their co-workers and encourages teamwork, is showing community values. In short, social values focus on service, help, love, affection, co-operation, human relations, etc.
- Spiritual or Religious Values - Spiritual values come from faith, traditions, and what we believe is right and wrong. These values guide people to do what's right, be disciplined, and respect old customs which is passed down through generations. For Example: Someone who lives by their religious teachings, respects their culture, or makes good choices based on their faith is showing spiritual values. In very shot Religious Values is all about religion, culture, custom, faith, traditions, etc.
- Power or Political Values - These values are about having power, being a leader, having influence, and being in charge. People who value this want to be in positions where they can make choices, manage people, and create plans. For Example: A politician trying to get votes and change government plans, or a manager trying to get a promotion at work, is showing power values. In short Political Values is concentrate on power, influence, leadership, control, money, etc.
- Practical or Economic Values - Practical values are all about getting the most out of things, being efficient, trading, and looking at costs versus benefits. People who value this want to get the best results while saving money and resources. For Example: A business owner checking profit before investing, or someone comparing prices before buying something, is showing practical values. In short Economic Values is talks about exchange, usefulness, application, cost-benefit, balance of trade.
Types of Values
Values can be broadly classified as two categories
- Terminal Values - Terminal values are those, through which ultimate goals in life are sought to be achieved. The following are some examples of terminal values:
- A comfortable life and A happy retired life
- A sense of accomplishment
- A secure life
- Freedom and independence
- Self-esteem and Self-actualisation
- Social recognition
- A world of peace
- Truth and non-violence
- Instrumental Values - Instrumental values are those, through which the ultimate goals are achieved. The following are some examples of instrumental values.
- Ambition
- Capability
- Cleanliness and Housekeeping
- Health and Safety
- Courage
- Co-operation
- Honesty
- Pardon
- Logic and Rationality
- Politeness and Courtesy
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