Nailing Down The Meaning of Values — Personal AND Corporate (2024)

Nailing Down The Meaning of Values — Personal AND Corporate (3)

If personal and corporate values are to have any usefulness, they have to be used to make decisions and guide behavior.

Most of us have worked in organizations, or have known people who espouse a set of values, then promptly turn around and act in ways that are the exact opposite, causing E. Schein to talk about ESPOUSED VALUES Vs. values in action (ENACTED VALUES).

Espoused values are those that the person or organization professes, or “talks” about as important, while enacted values are the values that are actually operative, based on observing decision-making and behavior.

Because of the nature of human beings, and our limited self-awareness, or understanding of WHY we do things, it’s unlikely that anyone or any organization will behave in ways that are completely congruent — that is, their enacted and espoused values (and beliefs) are identical.

This causes huge problems internally, which we’ll leave for another discussion, but apart from the vagaries of humans, with which we are stuck, there’s another reason for the lack of consistency.

Nailing Down The Meaning of Values — Personal AND Corporate (4)

Typically we talk about personal values in a kind of mental vacuum, as if we live in an ideal and rational world, and where we believe we, ourselves, are rational and consistent. But neither is true.

We have our “talk” and our “walk”, and circ*mstances often dictate where we end up walking, despite the fact that we may still espouse the same values and beliefs.

Also organizations and individuals almost NEVER go through a process that makes clear what their espoused values mean in the real world, and that is the critical link between our values and behavior.

Nailing Down The Meaning of Values — Personal AND Corporate (2024)

FAQs

What are personal values vs corporate values? ›

Personal and company values are similar in that they both help guide decision-making. However, personal values vary and are for individuals to uncover, whereas company values can be consciously chosen, operationalized, and set across the board.

What is the relationship between personal and company values? ›

More robust Organizational Culture: When personal values align with corporate values, it strengthens the organisational culture. A shared set of values creates a cohesive and inclusive work environment where employees feel connected, respected, and supported. This, in turn, attracts and retains top talent.

When personal values and corporate values are aligned? ›

Employees find it easier to integrate their work and personal lives when personal and organizational values align. This can lead to better work-life balance, as the values that guide their personal lives don't conflict with their professional environment.

What is the meaning of corporate values? ›

So here's the deal: Corporate values refer to the guiding principles that shape the culture, behavior, and decisions of a company. These values are often considered the core beliefs that define an organization's identity, purpose, and direction.

What are the four corporate values? ›

What Are The 4 Core Values Of An Organization? The four core values of an organization are integrity and ethics, respect, innovation (not imitation), and drive.

What are my personal core values? ›

Your values are the beliefs and principles that you believe are important in the way that you live and work. They (should) determine your priorities, and guide your decisions and the way you act towards others. When the things that you do, and the way that you behave, match your values, life is usually good.

What is the conflict between professional and personal values? ›

Instead, decisions must be made in a way that is consistent with the Code of Ethics, and when personal values conflict with professional values, the Code of Ethics, as understood within the knowledge base of the profession, should take precedence.

What is personal value in workplace? ›

Workplace values drive the attitudes and behaviors that you see within your team. These values might include respecting others, keeping promises, showing personal accountability, or providing excellent service.

How your personal values impact the workplace? ›

Our values get us out of bed every morning, help us select the work we do, the company we keep, the relationships we build, and ultimately, the groups and organizations that we lead. Our values influence every decision and move we make, even to the point of how we choose to make our decisions (Rue, 2001, p.

What are the 3 main core values? ›

Many Americans' most important values are having a happy relationship, living an honest and respectable life, and practicing safety.

What are the 5 core values? ›

Five Core Values
  • INTEGRITY. Know and do what is right. Learn more.
  • RESPECT. Treating others the way you want to be treated. Learn more.
  • RESPONSIBILITY. Embrace opportunities to contribute. Learn more.
  • SPORTSMANSHIP. Bring your best to all competition. Learn more.
  • SERVANT LEADERSHIP. Serve the common good. Learn more.

What are top 5 values? ›

Five of the most common and widely known values include integrity, accountability, diligence, perseverance, and discipline. These values can be applied virtually anywhere. They are used in the workplace, in relationships, at schools, and within sports teams.

Why are values important? ›

Why are personal values important? Your values form a significant part of your personal identity. They shape you into your authentic self and give you a sense of purpose and meaning, driving your personality, goal setting, and how you lead your life. Your values also give you a better understanding of who you are.

What is the best definition of value? ›

Value has to do with how much something is worth, either in terms of cash or importance. As a verb, it means "holding something in high regard," (like "I value our friendship") but it can also mean "determine how much something is worth," like a prize valued at $200.

What are the 7 core and related values? ›

  • Integrity.
  • Trustworthiness.
  • Objectivity.
  • Respect.
  • Empathy.
  • Responsibility.
  • Commitment.
Dec 9, 2020

What is the difference between personal values and cultural values? ›

What are personal values? These are our own beliefs about right and wrong. They belong to us personally and they shape the way we look at the world. Cultural values are those that are accepted by the societies we grow up in.

What is the difference between personal attitude and value in the workplace? ›

Specific goals and attitudes differ from values in that they are narrowly defined by and related to specific situations, whereas values represent abstract, broad goals that guide action (Schwartz, 1992).

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