Values

Concept

Values are at the core of culture and have a strong influence on our thinking and feeling (see Culture 1). They are subconscious basic orientations about good and bad, true and false. The implied importance of the topic notwithstanding, the definition of values remains elusive and research difficult, because they are below the surface (subconscious).

One of the difficulties is that some researchers make a distinction between values and beliefs and others do not. If you do make the distinction, both are fundamental orientations but they differ about what and how they are expressed.

Another point is that values (and beliefs) are developed in the pre-adult years, i.e. before turning 25 at a maximum. Whether you develop, choose of accept these values in a rational way or through emotional conviction, a major part of this process happens during puberty; not the most stable period of your life!

The value of values is not defined in financial terms but in terms of what makes us human.

Definitions

▼ Values: fundamental orientations

about good and bad; emotional

convictions; relative

▼ Beliefs: fundamental orientations

about true and false; rational

convictions; absolute

▼ Norms: daily application of values

Values are a construct, derived from behaviour and communication. Systematic measurement is done through questionnaires.