Values are standards of behaviour that help to govern the way people act. Values vary depending on what people regard as important. For example, for one family acquiring quality education may be a value they hold dear, while for another family no importance or value is placed on attaining an education. Values are shaped by various institutions in society such as the family, religions, and educational institutions. As outlined in the following paragraphs, these sources all contribute different as well as similar values to an individual which in turn determines how an individual will behave when carrying out duties at work.
The family is the first place the child learns core values from. These include but are not limited to being honest, loyal, respectful and courteous, obtaining a degree, and spending quality time together. Such values help an individual make right decisions at work. For example, being loyal requires an individual to keep the company’s secrets or important data and not sell out to competitors.
Religious institutions such as the church teach its followers basic values they should live by. Some very familiar ones include not stealing, not killing, being obedient, not committing adultery, but rather showing compassion to those in need, dressing modestly, and making peace with others. The value of dressing modestly may encourage an individual to dress properly and professionally for work activities.
Educational institutions also contribute its values to students. Students are encouraged and most often required to be punctual, to complete given assignments by deadlines, and to not cheat on exams or to respect other people’s work by not copyrighting. With regards to the business place, workers are encouraged to be punctual to work, to meet deadlines, and to not be dishonest especially when dealing with figures and financial statements.
It is imperative