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...