HUMAN VALUES

WHAT ARE VALUES?

• Values are fundamental beliefs or principles that guide individuals' behavior, decision-making, and

interactions within society.

• They represent what is important to an individual or a group and act as a standard for judging actions,

goals, and outcomes.

• Values provide a sense of purpose and direction, influencing both personal and collective attitudes,

aspirations, and ethical judgments.

• Taxing gas guzzlers and subsidizing solar panels: A government decision that reflects a value for the long-term
advantage of reducing emissions
• Choosing fresh salad and yogurt instead of fast food: A personal decision that reflects a value for long-term
health benefits
• Choosing to spend more time with children instead of making more money: A personal decision that reflects
a value for family time
• Choosing meaning over ease when serving others: A personal decision that reflects a value for service
• Making decisions that align with your company's values: A business decision that reflects a value for working in
the best interests of the organization.
INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC HUMAN VALUES

• Human values can be broadly categorized as intrinsic values and extrinsic values
based on their inherent nature and their relationship to external factors.
 INTRINSIC VALUES

• Intrinsic values are those that are valued for their own sake, independent of any external rewards or
[Link] represent the inherent worth of an action, trait, or idea.
• They are inherently fulfilling and contribute to a person’s sense of purpose and meaning in life.

• Examples:
• Truth: Pursuing and valuing truth as an end in itself.
• Love: Expressing genuine care and affection without expecting anything in return.
• Kindness: Helping others because it is the right thing to do, not for recognition.
• Happiness: Experiencing joy and contentment for its own sake.
 EXTRINSIC VALUES

• Extrinsic values are those that are valued for their utility or as a means to achieve something else. These values
are often associated with external rewards, recognition, or material benefits.
• They are instrumental in achieving goals or fulfilling desires tied to external circumstances.

• Examples:
• Wealth:Valued as a means to secure material comfort and status.
• Fame: Sought for recognition and societal validation.
• Power: Pursued for influence or control over others.
• Prestige: Appreciated for the external acknowledgment it brings.
BENEFITS OF VALUE-BASED DECISIONS

• They reflect your internal values and beliefs, so you feel good about them
• They can help you prioritize and set boundaries
• They can help you make decisions that are in your best interest, even when they aren't
expedient.
CLASSIFICATION OF VALUES

Personal Values
• These are values that guide an individual’s behavior and decisions.
• Examples: Honesty, integrity, self-respect, empathy, and perseverance.

Social Values
• These pertain to the expectations and norms of behavior within a society.
• Examples: Justice, equality, respect for others, and community service.
Cultural Values
• These are values embedded in cultural practices and traditions, shaping the collective identity of a
community.
• Examples: Respect for elders, hospitality, and adherence to rituals.

Moral Values
• These relate to notions of right and wrong and form the ethical foundation of behavior.
• Examples: Truthfulness, non-violence, loyalty, and fairness.

Spiritual Values
• These are values that connect individuals to a higher purpose or existential meaning.
• Examples: Compassion, mindfulness, humility, and gratitude.
• Economic Values
• These involve principles related to wealth, resources, and economic behavior.
• Examples: Efficiency, productivity, sustainability, and financial integrity.

• Professional Values
• These are values specific to an individual's occupation or profession.
• Examples: Accountability, diligence, teamwork, and innovation
Aesthetic Values
• These relate to the appreciation of beauty, art, and harmony.
• Examples: Creativity, balance, and elegance.

Universal Values
• These transcend individual cultures and societies, often seen as humanistic or global
principles.
• Examples: Freedom, peace, human rights, and dignity.
WHY ARE VALUE-BASED DECISIONS IMPORTANT
IN BUSINESS?

• With a world of information at people’s fingertips, consumers can make more informed
purchasing decisions today than ever before. They don’t just want to know what your
company has to offer. They want to know who you are.
• For example, Nike doesn’t just sell shoes. They sell a mindset that is reflected in all their
ads and marketing [Link] promote innovation, sustainability and a positive, can-do
attitude. These values drive all their decision-making, from how they create shoes, how
they advertise, and which causes they choose to support.
THE PROBLEM OF HIERARCHY OF VALUES AND THEIR
CHOICE.
 THE ELEMENTS OF VALUE
MEASURING—AND DELIVERING—WHAT CONSUMERS REALLY WANT BY ERIC ALMQUIST, JOHN
SENIOR,AND NICOLAS BLOCH

Three decades of experience doing consumer research and observation for corporate clients led the
authors—all with Bain & Company—to identify 30 “elements of value.” Their model traces its conceptual
roots to Abraham Maslow’s “hierarchy of needs” and extends his insights by focusing on people as
consumers: describing their behavior around products and services. They arrange the elements in a
pyramid according to four kinds of needs, with “functional” at the bottom, followed by “emotional,” “life
changing,” and then “social impact” at the peak.