Values

Values A value is a belief, a mission, or a philosophy that is meaningful. Whether one is aware of them or not, every person has a core set of personal values. Values can range from the everyday, such as the belief in hard work, to the more psychological, such as self-reliance and concern for others. Oftentimes one thinks of our values as absolute and universal, what one believes to be right must be right for everyone; but, is it' For example: in some societies children are taught to respect diversity; that all people are worthy and to be valued. In other societies, children are taught that females are inferior to males or that one race is inferior to another. Which society is right' Is there a right' Values are highly influenced by emotions and culture. It is easy to use the phrase “different strokes for different folks” as behavior that entertains us, but does not necessarily threaten us, is observed. When faced with values that are very different from our own we are not so likely to be cavalier. Professional values are based on the defined standards and ethical guidelines the company sets forth. Oftentimes these values are unspoken and must be learned by experience. The workers have specific knowledge and skills and engaging in ongoing development and use independent judgment. Such judgment must coincide with the value system set forth by the company. The workers know the value system of their workplace from the companies value statement, the actions of their managers and the ways in which conflict is handled within the company. Professional values are impacted by the community values in which they exist. This is the point where values intersect with ethics and successful workers will incorporate both into their daily jobs. Ethics Ethics is the system by which a society, or culture, says things are right or wrong. If a decision is ethical it was made by measuring the consequences versus the outcome and provides for the greater good. One could understand someone with a different set of values more easily than entertain a, vastly, different set of ethics. We define ourselves as good based on such ethics. Forgiveness is easier to come by for a differing set of values than for an unethical decision. Some societies say that killing is wrong yet other societies say that all life is not valued on the same scale. Thus; some life taken is acceptable. Intersection Values and ethics intersect on so many levels, as so many places and with so many different results. Take professional integrity as an example. In measuring professional integrity it is common to look at three standards: • Respect for professional and ethical behavior • Accepting responsibility for continuing professional development • Discussing approaches based on available research and facts. Professional integrity is exhibited by all three standards but we can clearly see that values and ethics must merge to accomplish this. Recall that the company sets the value standards and society sets the ethical standards. A successful company respects the ethical climate they are operating in and incorporates the best interests of the community in their value statements if they wish to coexist; peacefully. Career Influence When a professional is attempting to build a career values and ethics are essential to success. One must create a positive reputation by modeling positive values and ethics. Always be honest. Acts of dishonesty compromise core values, are unethical, and undermine productive work relationships. Conducting one’s self with honesty and a forthcoming attitude models positive values, is an ethical choice and instills a sense of trustworthiness. Know what the company, or industry, stands for. What do they value' Does your behavior re-enforce these values. Do your decisions model the same code of ethics that your company has' Intentionally communicate with managers in your workplace, and ask questions that will educate you about what the company believes in and what they stand for. If you don’t know, ask; ensuring that you are making choices that the company will approve of. If your personal beliefs differ, greatly, from those of your industry you may struggle to be successful in that field. One may struggle to work for a company that firmly supports the “Pro-Life” movement if they, themselves believe that every woman is free to make her own choice about abortion. That same person may find themselves unable to support the values and ethics of their industry.