MODULE 1
Introduction to values and ethics
VALUES
They are the basic beliefs that an individual thinks to be true. Every individual
has a set of values through which he looks at all things and also at the world. It
can be said that most of the people will never deviate from their values. The
values can be said to be the guiding principles in one’s life. ‘Value’ can be
defined as a bridge by which an individual makes a decision regarding good and
bad, right or wrong, and most important or less important.
Your values are the things that you believe are important in the way you live and
work.
Values can be defined as those things that are important to or valued by
someone. That someone can be an individual or, collectively, an organization.
Example: Self-respect, being independent, equality, etc.
When the things that you do and the way you behave match your values, life is
usually good – you're satisfied and content. But when these don't align with your
values, that's when things feel... wrong. This can be a real source of
unhappiness.
Values are usually fairly stable, yet they don't have strict limits or boundaries.
Also, as you move through life, your values may change. For example, when you
start your career, success – measured by money and status – might be a top
priority. But after you have a family, work-life balance may be what you value
more.
TYPES OF VALUES
TYPES OF
VALUES
Instrume
Terminal
ntal
Compete
Personal
nce
Values
Values
Moral Social
Values Values
Rokeach has classified values into 2 broad categories as Instrumental values
and terminal values.
INSTRUMENTAL VALUES
Instrumental Values are core values, permanent in nature, comprise personal
characteristics and character traits.
Instrumental Values refer to preferable modes of behaviour and include values
like honesty, sincerity, ambition, independence, obedience, imaginativeness,
courageousness, competitiveness, and also some negative traits too.
The instrumental values with self-focus were called competence values
such as being ambitious, independent, intellectual, etc.
The Instrumental values with focus on other people’s well-being were called
moral values such as being helpful, forgiving, polite, etc.
TERMINAL VALUES
Terminal Values are those things that we can work towards or we think are most
important and we feel are most desirable – terminal values are desirable states
of existence.
Terminal Values include things like happiness, self respect, family security,
recognition, freedom, inner harmony, comfortable life, professional excellence,
etc
The terminal values with self-focus are called personal values such as self-
respect, comfortable life, etc.
The terminal values with focus on others are called social values such as
equality, national security, etc.
In a nutshell, Terminal Values signify the objectives of the life of a person – the
ultimate things the person wants to achieve through his or her behaviour (the
destination he wants to reach in life) whereas Instrumental Values indicate the
methods an individual would like to adopt for achieving his life’s aim (the path he
would like to take to reach his destination).
HOW VALUES HELP YOU/IMPORTANCE
Values exist, whether you recognize them or not. Life can be much easier when
you acknowledge your values – and when you make plans and decisions that
honor them.
If you value family, but you have to work 70-hour weeks in your job, will you feel
internal stress and conflict? And if you don't value competition, and you work in a
highly competitive sales environment, are you likely to be satisfied with your
job?
In these types of situations, understanding your values can really help. When you
know your own values, you can use them to make decisions about how to live
your life, and you can answer questions like these:
• What job should I pursue?
• Should I accept this promotion?
• Should I start my own business?
• Should I compromise, or be firm with my position?
• Should I follow tradition, or travel down a new path?
So, take the time to understand the real priorities in your life, and you'll be able
to determine the best direction for you and your life goals !
ETHICS
Ethics is guidelines or rules that are set for a society or an organization rather
than for an individual. Ethics can be defined as a set of rules formulated by a
country or a company or some institutions. Ethics is mainly based on moral
values.
Ethics can also be as a moral philosophy or code of morals practiced by a person
or group of people.
Ethics, sometimes known as moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy that
involves systematizing, defending and recommending concepts of right and
wrong conduct.
Example: The code of conduct set by a business.
IMPPORTANCE OF ETHICS AT WORKPLACE
The Ethics Resource Center reports that non-unionized employees perceive
stronger ethical cultures within their organizations than their unionized
counterparts. The non-profit organization also reports that young workers are
more likely to perceive weak ethical cultures within their companies than older
ones. Managers also tend to value stronger ethical cultures than employees in
non-management positions. It is your duty as a manager to incorporate and
manage a strong ethical culture within your business. Workplace ethics are
significant to your business and provide numerous benefits.
• Asset Protection
A strong ethical culture within your business is important in safeguarding your
assets. Employees who abide by your workplace ethics would be able to protect
and respect your business’s assets. For example, they would avoid making
personal long distance calls using the business’s lines. Workers can only respect
company property when you treat them with respect and dignity, which makes
them feel proud to be working for your business. Ensure that your workers
perform in an environment with integrity and strong ethics. It increases
employee pride and discourages them from stealing supplies or equipment.
• Productivity and Teamwork
Workplace ethics is integral in fostering increased productivity and teamwork
among your employees. It helps in aligning the values of your business with
those of your workers. Achieving this alignment requires that you encourage
consistent dialogue regarding the values of your business, which enhances
community, integrity and openness among employees. Ethics enable your
workers to feel a strong alignment between their values and those of your
business. They show such feelings through increased productivity and
motivation.
• Public Image
You earn a lot of respect and cultivate a strong image in the public domain when
you make ethical choices. For instance, you can fulfill your corporate social
responsibility by reducing waste discharge from your business. The public would
consider your business to be operating with honor and integrity while valuing
people over profits. Building a strong public image through ethical conduct also
earns you more clients. Customers would develop trust in you and do business
with your organization.
• Decision-Making
Ethical conduct in the workplace encourages a culture of making decisions based
on ethics. It also enhances accountability and transparency when undertaking
any business decisions. During turbulent times, a strong ethical culture guides
you in managing such conflicts by making the right moves. It can help you to
introduce change successfully in your organization, which can be a challenge.
Ethical conduct within the business sensitizes you and your staff on how to act
consistently even in difficult times.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VALUES AND ETHICS
Every person has certain set values and a certain code of ethics which are very
much valued. Some people who do not know the exact difference between
‘values’ and ‘ethics’ often use the two words interchangeably. Though these two
are different, these two together form the basis for making decisions.
Values are very much personal while ethics is very much societal. One can also
see that values and ethics sometimes can be in conflict. Even if one has certain
values, he will not be able to entertain certain decisions based on the ethical
codes. Though abortion is considered to be legal, most people do not approve of
it morally.
BASIS FOR ETHICS VALUES
COMPARISON
Meaning Ethics refers to the Value is defined as
guidelines for conduct, the principles and
that address question ideals, that helps
about morality. them in making
judgement of what is
more important.
What are they? System of moral Stimuli for thinking.
principles.
Consistency Uniform Differs from person to
person
Tells What is morally correct or What we want to do
incorrect, in the given or achieve.
situation.
Determines Extent of rightness or Level of importance.
wrongness of our options.
What it does? Constrains Motivates
