1. Staying the course
Among the
attributes that help to define an organization, a set of values is extremely
important. Speaking at an international conference on fundraising, Simone
P. Joyaux of Joyaux Associates defined a value as an enduring belief
that a specific mode of conduct is personally or socially preferable
to another.
One difference
between individual and group values is that the group must articulate
its values. In addition, there must be a matching of the individual’s
values and those of the collective entity. Further, it is possible
for value conflicts to occur in any organization.
Joyaux identified
six steps that define a value (these coming from psychologist Louis
Raths, following John Dewey).
- Prized and
cherished. A value is prized and cherished.
- Publicly affirmed.
You must be willing, when appropriate, to publicly affirm what
you value.
- Available alternatives.
There must be the possibility of freedom, i.e., available alternatives.
- Chosen intelligently.
A true value is chosen intelligently, after consideration of the
consequences.
- Action. A true
value involves acting on your belief. The final test of a value
is action.
- Repeated action.
A true value involves acting on it repeatedly and with a consistent
pattern.
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