What are Values?

posted in Values

What Are Values?

In the ViDA framework, values are defined as enduring states and traits that guide, drive, and motivate our actions and decisions on an ongoing basis. A value can be experienced as part of our character or a description of our way of being. Values indicate what matters most, serving as the foundation for living, working, and making decisions. They aren't just abstract ideas—they are the core principles that shape our behaviour, influencing our interactions, plans, and long-term strategies.

Values provide clarity, aligning our actions with what we deeply believe to be important. Acting in alignment with our values brings fulfillment while acting against them can lead to dissatisfaction or even conflict. For example:

A leader who values integrity may choose to prioritize transparency in challenging situations, reinforcing trust within their organization.
Conversely, misalignment—such as an employee who values growth working in a stagnant environment—can lead to disengagement and frustration.

Definitions of Values Across Disciplines

The definition of values can vary significantly across disciplines, which can cause confusion about how they should be understood and applied. At ViDA, we define values, value states and value words in a specific way. Here’s a breakdown of some key definitions from:

Philosophical Definition:
Values in philosophy refer to the principles or standards of behaviour that individuals or groups consider inherently important or desirable. These values shape moral beliefs and ethical behaviour, often guiding what is considered good or bad, right or wrong.
Psychological Definition:
In psychology, values are enduring beliefs about what is important in life. Psychologist Milton Rokeach defined values as "enduring beliefs that a specific mode of conduct or end-state is personally or socially preferable to its opposite." Values are central to personality and influence attitudes, goals, and behaviours.
Organizational Definition:
Within organizations, values refer to the guiding principles that shape corporate culture and behaviour. Core values like integrity, accountability, and teamwork guide employees’ behaviours and the organization’s strategies. They align personal and corporate values to drive ethics and culture.
Sociological Definition:
Sociologists view values as cultural ideals that dictate what a society holds important or desirable. These values often reflect collective priorities, shaping norms, institutions, and practices within communities or larger societies.
Functional Definition in Leadership and Business:
In leadership and business, values are non-negotiable principles that shape behaviours, decision-making, and strategies. Barrett’s values model ties values to human needs like survival, belonging, and self-actualization. However, this model has been critiqued for conflating needs with values, which can blur their distinct functions.

The Power of Value Judgments

Value judgments are the decisions we make—often subconsciously—based on what we deem most important. They’re the compass that guides our choices, from career moves to daily habits. But here’s the catch: value judgments aren’t always intentional. When unexamined, they can lead to actions that conflict with our true priorities.

For example, chasing financial success without considering its alignment with personal values might bring wealth but leave you feeling unfulfilled. On the flip side, aligning judgments with deeply held values creates clarity, consistency, and a sense of purpose. By understanding and articulating your values, you can make judgments that support meaningful outcomes, not just immediate gains.

Key Insight: Every decision reflects your values—whether you know it or not. Make them intentional.

Dictionary Definitions of Values

Here’s how trusted dictionaries define "value":

Oxford English Dictionary (OED):
Defines value as "the regard something is held to deserve, its importance, worth, or usefulness." It also refers to principles or standards of behaviour that guide actions.
Merriam-Webster:
Defines value as both the monetary worth of something and, more relevantly, as principles or qualities that are intrinsically desirable or valuable.
Cambridge Dictionary:
Describes values as "the beliefs people have about what is most important in life, which guide their behaviour."

The ViDA Perspective: Why Values Matter

At ViDA, we see values as enduring principles that guide behaviour across contexts. Unlike needs, which are fluid and situational, values remain constant over time. For instance:

Integrity will guide someone to act ethically regardless of circumstance.
Resilience can inspire persistence, whether in personal challenges or professional goals.

Our work focuses on helping individuals and organizations articulate and align their values, enabling them to act with clarity and authenticity. When organizations define their values clearly, these principles directly influence decisions, resource allocation, and strategies. For example, a company valuing collaboration might reward team-based efforts, while one emphasizing innovation could prioritize investments in research and development.

Key Takeaways

Values are core states and traits that guide behaviour, decisions, and strategies.
Definitions vary across disciplines, but commonalities include their enduring nature and their role in shaping actions and culture.
Misalignment between actions and values leads to dissatisfaction, while alignment fosters fulfillment and effectiveness.

By clearly identifying and applying values, both individuals and organizations can operate with greater purpose, confidence, and alignment. At ViDA, we empower our clients to uncover and live their values—not just as abstract ideals but as tangible drivers of meaningful action and success.

"Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal."