Understanding Values: A Multifaceted Perspective
Radhakamal Mukherjee defines values as “socially approved desires and goals internalized through conditioning, learning, or socialization.” According to Allport, values are beliefs that drive a person’s actions through preferences. Hill offers his perspective, viewing values as individual beliefs of significant worth that shape and organize one’s life.
Values, in essence, can also be seen as guiding principles that either promote well-being or prevent harm. Humans possess the remarkable capacity to define their identity, select their values, and establish their beliefs. These three aspects directly influence human behavior, making values the compass that directs our actions.
It’s crucial to recognize that not all values hold the same weight or priority. Some are more pivotal than others and must be fulfilled before others come into play. Dr. Abraham Maslow illustrated this concept with his hierarchy of human needs. Survival takes precedence over security, which, in turn, precedes social acceptance. Self-esteem becomes relevant only after achieving social acceptance, and self-actualization can be pursued once self-esteem is secured.
Key Features of Values:
- Emotional Motivation: Values are emotional attitudes that directly or indirectly motivate individuals to act in a manner aligned with their preferences.
- Core of Personality: Values reside at the heart of one’s personality, exerting a significant influence on behavior.
- Guiding Life Forces: Values provide direction and steadfastness to life, contributing to joy, satisfaction, and peace.
- Regulating Behavior: Values serve as regulators, guiding human behavior and actions in daily life.
- Cognitive Processes: Values involve thinking, knowing, understanding, and influencing emotions and actions.
- Civilizational Significance: Values are integral to civilization, reflecting an individual’s character and determining moral and ethical choices.
- Impact on Organizations: Values shape the behavior of both individuals and organizations, as the conduct of individuals can impact organizational behavior.
- Early Acquisition: The acquisition of values begins at birth, primarily learned at home but subject to change as individuals accumulate experiences.
- Adaptability Over Time: Values can evolve over time within the same society, influenced by changing societal needs and circumstances.
- Stability and Predictability: While some values remain relatively stable and enduring, they can be indicative of an individual’s behavior and actions.
Values, in their diversity and depth, play a profound role in shaping human lives and society itself.