5 Types of Human Values

Learning Outcomes
Introduction
Origin and emergence of human values Relevance of values
Types of values
Summary

1. LEARNING OUTCOMES

After studying this module, students will be able to understand:
Origin and emergence of human values Relevance of values
Types of values

ORIGIN AND EMERGENCE OF VALUES

The origin of human values can be considered from various sources and also these values emerge out from different human engaged in their respective thought process. But values which are considered as constructive in nature have always come out from a pure, peaceful and calm mind which is again cultivated through various methods. Major four methods which are believed as the ancient and traditional methods of mind cultivation and purification are as follows:

1. Jnan Yoga (Path of Knowledge)

2. Raja Yoga (Path of Mind Control)

3. Shakti Yoga (Path of Devotion)

4. Karma Yoga (Path of Action)

Moving step by step from one stage to another, it is better understood that human values are shaped and enhanced by going through these four stages. From the path of knowledge to mind control, then mind control to devotion and then devotion to action, values are the resultant residual of each phase. Therefore, these entire paths facilitate human being to develop a pure and serene mind. It is only the inner purified mind of the individual from where values are developed which as a result forms a basis for managerial effectiveness everywhere. Jnan Yoga, Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Karma Yoga, all these stages leads an individual towards higher, advanced and enhanced human stages and open a door to get the vision of one’s own spirit or purified consciousness, which you can call in simple terms the inner mind. An individual got to be in touch with his inner mind only in silence or during meditation. It is only this time we get to be in touch with our divine spirit which resides within us. This inner voice can only be heard in the form of inspiration or intuitive purified mind. Thus, the origin and emergence of human values can be solely contributed to the presence of peaceful and well cultivated human mind.

RELEVANCE OF VALUES:

We can simply call values as a prescriptive belief. In other words, if there is any activity, conduct, behavior, attitude, thinking etc. which is worth of being followed, then it must be engraved in human behavior, lifestyle and personality for the larger benefit of the society. Thus, value can be defined as a belief on to which an individual opt as well as act by its own preference. The word value itself means giving due importance to a thing, object or concept. As far as human being are concerned, each and every individual holds different sort of values. They differ from person to person and it is more relative in nature. There are many of the cultural values that come to us from our ancestors. Culture on the other side is defined as the shared beliefs and values with in a specific group which define them what is right, wrong, good and bad.

Trans-cultural human values

Trans-cultural values can be defined as the values that are similar in practice among different cultures throughout the whole world. These can be categorized as universal values which are followed in the similar manner across the globe and therefore, considered as universal in nature. The important point here needs to be mentioned is that these values are very helpful for the management. Some of the trans-cultural values are fruitful for the effective and efficient management are:

Un-biasness
Loyalty towards workers
Cooperation Transparency Objectivity Discipline
Inspiration
Social Responsibility
Managing Interpersonal Conflict

Developing values among individuals are very essential for managers in any organization. Taking this into consideration, it is very essential for the organization top managers to work rigorously for the development of tans-cultural values in management can be reflected in the following points:

I. Credibility among stakeholders: Value system if implanted within the organization helps to build up a feeling of trust and credibility among the stakeholders of the business entity. There are different parties who are directly or indirectly linked with the business or have interest in knowing working of the business entity. They can be suppliers, employees, customers, society etc. To satisfy all these parties instinct is the major task. Implementing credible value system like transparency and integrity helps to build a credible relationship of the organization with its stakeholders.

II. Promoting basic human values: Promoting trans-cultural values itself nurture basic human values. A manager holds such position that he/she knows that its decision can affect thousands of individuals. Therefore, there will not be any space for him/her to be bias any individuals. Managers must try to forgo his/her personal grudges and treat every subordinate equal and provide equal opportunities for them to grow. Opportunities and responsibilities must be given equal to every individual at each level.

III.Facilitate decision-making: A well established value system helps the management in taking effective and accurate decision. Another point of distinction is that it suggests the management to take decision keeping in view the interest of public, employee, owner and company’s long term good itself. This is for the reason that it forces the management to take into consideration various aspects like economics, social and ethical during decision making.

IV. Earn Profit: With the proper facilitation of these trans-cultural values, companies will earn profit. A company which is totally inspired by trans-cultural values and give due consideration to them will surely be a profitable one. With a well implanted value system, there comes long run stability for the business organization in the market.

V. Objectivity: A well established value system in the organization helps to establish clear objectives for the firm. The whole organization gets a clear picture of the objective that even a layman can understand them. If in any case, the objectives are not clear enough it can create a great mess. It can, as a result, also affect the productivity of the organization as well as the organizational working parties. Thus, an unambiguous and clear objective helps to minimize chances of confusion, conflicts and disputes.

VI. Self-discipline: Trans-cultural values also help to cultivate self-discipline within individuals. The important task here for the individual is to have a control on one’s own mind. A manager should be capable enough to take organizations related decisions with calm and disciplined mind. Top managers should be properly disciplined and this includes even small gestures like arriving on time at the organization making use of the working hour more optimally etc. If a manager is expecting something from others, he must also do the same.

VI. Developing credibility among employees: Developing an environment of trans-cultural values within the environment. A similar culture in the organization with more of shared values and attitude facilitate an organization to fulfill its objectives smoothly. Organization values, when accepted and perceived by the employees that it helps to create common goals, values and cultures.

TYPES OF VALUES:

There are varieties of values and ethics present in a present society. These different types and kinds of values can be classified as follows:

1. Individual Values: As the name itself signifies, individual values are such which is directly concerned to the development of human personality. It targets individual norms of recognization and protection of the human personality such as honesty, loyalty and honor.

2. Collective Values: Collective values are concerned with the society at large. Values connected with the norms of equality, justice, solidarity and sociability are known as collective values.

3. Intrinsic Values: These can be called as fundamental values to life and are directly related with the core goal of life. In the hierarchy of human values, these values stand at the highest place and are superior to all other values of life. These values help to determine the intensity of human rights and duties.

4. Instrumental Values: Those values which facilitate to achieve an individual’s intrinsic values can be classified as instrumental values. These are preferable modes of behavior that helps to achieve one’s terminal values. These values come after the intrinsic values and are more focused on personality traits and character which helps to achieve goals of life. This includes honesty, sincerity, ambition, courageousness, competitiveness, ambition, independence and also some negative traits as well.

5. Terminal Values: The end goals that an individual desires to achieve in his life are known as terminal values. These are said to be desirable end state of existence. This includes values like happiness, self-respect, social security, harmony, personal excellence etc. These values are the most desirable one in one’s life and individual work towards them to achieve in their life.

6. Dominant Values: Values which are on priority in one’s own agenda can be identified as dominant values. These are the stronger and are more present in a person than other values. In every human being, there are different sort of values which are present, but all values are not present to the same level or to the same extent. The values which a person possesses to the highest level can be considered as dominant value.

7. Personal Values: Values which are deeply connected with a person is known as personal values. Personal values are considered as an essential principle on which we build our life and relate with other people. One can consider these values as a mixture of family as well as socio-cultural environment values together with one’s own individual experience.

8. Family Values: One can simply say family as a social institution which is based on certain universally defined value system. These values are nurtured and cultivated within a family system. Mainly, these values comes from the lead of the family mostly father who transfer these values to their children, who further impart these values to future generation. These values can be considered as the basic principles and guidelines for human behavior in the family as well as in the society.

9. Socio-Cultural Values: The very foundation of our society is based upon some sort of socio-cultural values and hence it survives on these accepted values only. These can also be categorized as prevailing values in our society, which often change with time or on the other way coincide or not with our family or personal values. Thus, society collectively represents a complex mixture of several values and sometimes it contradicts with one another. For example, if work is not valued socially as a means of personal fulfillment then the society is indirectly fostering anti-values like dishonesty, irresponsibility and crime.

10. Material Values: Material values calls for need of human being regarding things required for human survival and existence. These values allow us to survive and are related to our basic subsistence needs as a human being such as food, clothing and protection from the environment. These can also be categorized as fundamental needs, part of complex web that is created between personal, family and socio-cultural values.

11. Spiritual Values: Spiritual values are connected purely to the non-material aspects in our lives, that is, these are concerned with spiritual hunger and growth. They are a part of inner human needs and allow us to observe minimum level of value system expected in our society.

12. Moral Values: These values constitute attitude and behavior that a society consider essential for co-existence, order and general well-being. These values help us to observe minimum level of value system expected in our society.

13. Theoretical Values: This kind of value typically focuses on adopting a critical and rational approach to any problem. These are related to the basic system of truth and rational conduct of individual.

14. Aesthetic Values: Softer values of goodness are termed as a aesthetic values and all these come from grace, poise, harmony and emphasize the artistic aspect of one’s life.

15. Economic Values: Basic foundational ethical conducts in the field of economics or commerce are called economic values. These are utility and practicality which emphasize more on standard of living.

16.Social Values: Values which are generated as well as minimally expected by the society can e classified as social values. These basically include acceptability, cooperation and love for human being.

17. Human Value: Values that basically targets and promotes human growth and development are known as human values e.g simplicity, forgiveness, charity, transparency, humbleness, gratitude etc.

18. Dis-Value: Values which demoralize and undermine the human growth and development can be termed as dis-value. This includes jealousy, envy, selfishness, anger, revenge etc.

SUMMARY:

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REFERENCES:

Pramod Sharma, “Business Ethics and Corporate Values: An Indian Perspective” Ravitanaya Publications, Shimla, 2017
S.K Bhatia, “Business Ethics and Corporate Governance” Deep & Deep Publications, New Delhi, 2004
A.C. Fernando, “Business Ethics and Corporate Governance” Pearson Publication, 2013 Harris & Hartman, “Organizational Behavior” Jaico Publication House, 2002
French, Bell & Vohra, “Organization Development” Pearson Prentice Hall Publication, 2009
S B Gogate, “Human Values & Professional Ethics” Vikas Publishing House, New Delhi, 2011