Are Values Shared Behavior? Is There Such A Thing As Persona

Values are shared behavior. Is there such thing as personal value? Please, describe/define/identify values

Values are fundamental principles or standards that guide individuals' behavior and decision-making processes. In the context of public administration, values embody the core beliefs and ethical principles that influence how public servants and organizations operate, interact with constituents, and pursue their missions. These values include integrity, accountability, transparency, equity, effectiveness, efficiency, and service orientation. They serve as the ethical backbone for decision-making, ensuring that actions taken by public organizations are aligned with societal expectations, legal standards, and moral considerations.

The importance of values in organizations, particularly in public administration, cannot be overstated. Shared organizational values foster a cohesive environment where stakeholders—employees, leaders, and the public—align their efforts toward common goals. Such shared values promote trust, legitimacy, and credibility, which are essential for effective service delivery and maintaining public confidence. When organizational values are clear and upheld, they influence policies, procedures, and daily operations, leading to consistent and ethically sound decisions.

Values matter because they shape the culture of an organization, influence behavior, and determine how challenges are managed. Strong alignment between organizational and personal values enhances motivation, job satisfaction, and ethical conduct among employees. Furthermore, these values function as a compass during ethical dilemmas, guiding decision-makers to choose actions that uphold the public interest and moral standards despite potential pressures or conflicting interests.

Shared Values and Personal Values: Comparison and Significance in Decision-Making

Shared values represent collective principles adhered to by individuals within an organization or community, forming a common ethical framework that guides behavior. In public organizations, shared values create a unified culture that influences organizational climate, leadership, and stakeholder interactions. They underpin policies and practices fostering ethical conduct, accountability, and transparency (Kaptein, 2011).

Conversely, personal values are deeply held beliefs and principles unique to an individual, shaped by personal experiences, culture, upbringing, and worldview. These values influence an individual's attitudes, motivations, and judgments in both personal and professional contexts (Schwartz, 2012). For example, an individual’s personal commitment to honesty may motivate ethical behavior, but when organizational and societal values emphasize transparency and accountability, they reinforce personal convictions and shape organizational culture.

Illustrations of personal values in public administration might include an administrator's strong sense of justice, fairness, or integrity that guides their daily decisions. For example, a public official might prioritize equitable resource allocation based on personal conviction that fairness is paramount. In contrast, shared organizational values might emphasize efficiency, public trust, or community engagement, which collectively influence decision-making processes within the organization.

Importance of Personal and Shared Values in Public Decision-Making

Effective decision-making in public organizations hinges on the alignment of personal and shared values. When leaders and employees uphold core organizational values, they act consistently and ethically, reinforcing trust and legitimacy in their actions. For instance, when a public health administrator prioritizes community well-being over bureaucratic procedures—guided by organizational values of service and integrity—they make decisions that serve the public interest (Kristiansen & Bloch-Pølsen, 2014).

Shared values serve as a guiding moral compass, providing clarity and stability in complex situations, especially during crises or ethical dilemmas. Simultaneously, personal values add depth and authenticity to decision-making, fostering genuine commitment to organizational goals. When personal and shared values align, organizations tend to have higher levels of ethical conduct, employee engagement, and community trust (Tscharke et al., 2017).

Examples and Illustrations

For example, a public administrator driven by a personal value of honesty may advocate for transparent communication with the community, advocating open disclosure of policies or errors. If the organization’s shared value emphasizes accountability, this personal value bolsters organizational integrity, leading to decisions that enhance public trust. Conversely, if organizational values are misaligned with personal values, such as prioritizing political expediency over truthfulness, ethical conflicts may arise, undermining trust and service quality.

Conclusion

Values, both shared and personal, are integral to ethical decision-making, effective leadership, and organizational integrity within public administration. Understanding and aligning these values ensures that public organizations act responsibly, transparently, and in the best interest of the communities they serve. As leaders navigate complex issues, a strong ethical foundation grounded in shared principles and authentic personal convictions is essential for sustaining public trust and fostering a culture of integrity.

References

• Kaptein, M. (2011). Understanding unethical behavior by unraveling ethical culture. Human Relations, 64(6), 737-772.
• Kristiansen, E. F., & Bloch-Pølsen, A. (2014). Values in public administration: An integration. Public Management Review, 16(3), 342-361.
• Schwartz, S. H. (2012). An overview of the Schwartz theory of basic values. Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, 2(1), 1-20.
• Tscharke, B. J., Lehtinen, L. N., & Johnson, G. A. (2017). The role of organizational values in fostering ethical leadership. Journal of Business Ethics, 146(2), 347-359.