Values
are the integral part of personal philosophy of life of human being.
Values are nurtured by habits in our everyday life. Values as principles
and fundamental convictions are abstractions until they are applied in
the contexts of daily life. Values are made real or realized based on
the choices made and behaviors acted out. Our values are the selves we
are becoming. There are different kinds of values which people acquire
and support to different degrees and the value profile of one person
differs from the value profile of another person.
Values have been classified in various ways:
Instrumental values: As
the name suggests these values help us to get desired ends. As the name
suggests, they are instruments to acquire some things else in socially
accepted ways. Examples: Progress (which allows leisure time), Freedom
(dignity/ self actualization), Knowledge (economic prosperity and
progress).
Further Instrumental values include the following:
- Personal values: Personal values are cherished and practiced by
an individual without the involvement or without interaction with any
other person. It is practiced by the individual and fabricated by him in
his daily life. These help us in setting our behavior and attitude
towards others. We even make decisions based upon our personal values. Personal values include
punctuality, self-discipline, honesty, integrity, self-contentment,
courage, cleanliness, self-confidence, ambition, hard-work,
independence, mature etc.Example: Sachin Tendulkar was recognized
for his values and responsibility as a citizen towards the society. He
said no for a commercial advertisement of liquor, though he was assured a
huge amount for the endorsement.
- Social values: Social values are cherished and practiced because of our association with others. These include the interaction of two or more persons. It is related to neighbours, community, society, nation and the world. The entire world becomes a better place to live in because of the social values. These values include brotherhood, cooperativeness, etiquette, dignity of labour, social service, tolerance, social-responsibility, gratitude, sympathy, helpfulness, right behaviour, adjustment, sharing, sense of belongingness, environmental preservation etc. Social values to a large extend become responsible for national integration and world peace. India as a country has number of cultural diversities, its the social values that bind one to the others and present us as a strong country. It is the practice of tolerance that enables us to accept differences in the spirit of understanding and friendliness.
- Family Values: Family values are cherished and practiced
by the people living in a family. The family values include both the
social values and personal values together for the harmony of the
family. Family values differ from family to family. It is dependent upon the education as well as culture. Family involved in political issues may
also play a role in family values. Religious preferences is likely to
be determined by the family values. Family values include compassion,
respect for elders, sound health, love, tolerance, hygienic living, happiness, empathy, mutual respect, patience, cheerful, commitment etc. With the gradual changes in the society, people adopt new ways of living. Old customs and practices fail to make meaning to the present generations. Hence, its a need to have meaningful values. Perceptions also affect the family values. Role of women in the family also help in framing a broad look towards women in the society.
- Cultural Values: Cultural values are cherished and practiced by a culture of people but may not be taken into all types
of situation. It is based upon the standards of what is acceptable or
unacceptable, right or wrong, workable or unworkable in a community or
society. Cultural values include social order, tolerance, liberty,
non-violence, love, affection, gentleness etc. As related to a culture, creative development and interaction between various cultures may result in a better evolution of cultural values. Cultural values are reflected in language, ethics, social hierarchy, aesthetics, education, law, economics, philosophy and social institutions of every kind. It has always proved that meeting of cultural values leads to more exciting and surprising values. Example: The Renaissance came about from the Ancient Greek and Medieval European cultures.
- Democratic values:
Democratic values are the fundamental beliefs and constitutional
principles of our society. By democratic values we mean love, brotherhood,
pursuit of happiness, non-violence, justice, liberty, equality, unity
in diversity, common good, fraternity, rule of law, national
integration, peace, freedom, discipline etc. Non- violence, non-injury or Ahimsa believes never causing harm to anyone by thought, word or deed. Non-violence is based upon fearlessness, non-attachment, chastity and truth. Truth, rule of law, justice , patriotism and humanism at different levels from oneself to person, person to person, person to group and group to group will further activate the democratic values for the welfare of the nation.
- Institutional Values: Institutional values are belief's that endure over a period of time by conduct as well as activities. Institutional
values include leadership, loyalty, flexibility, team spirit,
responsibility, curiosity, regularity, humble, polite nature, ethics,
productiveness, creativity, accountability etc. Example: Sir Scott
Waddle took the responsibility of the mistake committed by his junior
officers in the year 2001, which lead to the crash of a sub with a
Japanese vessel causing death of 9 people. He was dismissed from the
services. Sir Scott Waddle took it as a responsibility and went to meet
the families of the dead and apologized. This shows his responsibility
and goodness.Dominant institutional values includes:
- Extensiveness throughout the system,
- Durability over a period of time,
- Intensity shown by choices and verbal affirmation,
- Prestige of those who espouse the value.
- Religious values: Religious
values are the beliefs of various religions of the world, and they are
focused on peace and goodness. Religious values include sacrifice, faith
in god, respect for all religious, truth, non-violence, kindness,
forgiveness, love, devotion etc. People who believe in religious values
also exhibit humility in the things they do. Humility is defined by the
utmost belief in God and showing humbleness to others. It features on
understanding the defects in self and doing things for the sake of God.
Example: Mother Teresa's interaction with a merchant leading to change
in him.
Comparison between Instrumental and Intrinsic values: Instrumental values are better as can be used to get something else. Intrinsic values are not exchangeable and they have innate values of self.
