Unit 2

Value system
Introduction :

Value literally means something that has a price.

It reflects one's personal attitudes and behaviors.

Values serves as broad guidelines in all situations.

Definition :

According to Haralambos " Values are beliefs that something is good and desirable ".

Edward Stranger defines the values as "Constellation of likes, dislikes, viewpoints, inner
inclinations, rational judgements, prejudices and association patterns that determines
views of the world ".

R K Mukerjee [A pioneer Indian sociologist who initiated the study of social values ]
"Values are socially approved desires and goals that are internalised through the
process of conditioning, learning, or socialisation and that become subjective
preferences, standards and aspirations ".

Meaning :

Values have major influences on persons behaviour and attitude and serves as broad
guidelines in all situations.

In other words, Generally value has been taken to mean moral ideas, general
conceptions or orientations towards the world or sometimes simply interests, attitudes,
preferences, needs, sentiments and dispositions.

Characteristics of Values :

1) There is no coercion or compulsion for the selection of values .

2) The values depends upon individual perception.

3) There are number of options from which values are selected.

4) The values are based on beliefs.

5) Values are partly genetical and partly acquired through experience and interaction.

6) Culture and environment plays an important role in determining the values.

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7) Values are strengthened after taking into account different consequences.

8) Value which is chosen is practiced and then sustained and applied at different stages
of one's life.

9) Values becomes part of one's life and moulds the personality.

10) Values may change over a period of time due to drastic incidents and experiences.

Types of Values :

1) Terminal values and Instrumental values :

Terminal values is an ultimate goal of an individual. To reach this ultimate

goal or terminal value, different values are to be used as instruments or
means which are called as instrumental values. Thus, realization of God
may be terminal value, and to be just or righteous is an instrument to
achieve the ultimate goal of the life.

Example :

Realisation of god, Goals of life

2) Personal Values :

These are essential principle in which we build our life and guide us to
relate with other people.

Example :

Some people regard family as their most important values and structure
their lives so that they can spent more time with their family .Other people
might value success instead and give less time to their family in order to
achieve their goals.

Types of Personal values :

a) Egocentric Value :

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Which is directed to satisfy one's ego.

b) Socio-centric Value :

Which leads to adaptability to society.

c) Existentialist Value :

Which is in conformity of the existing reality.

d) Conformist Value :

Which pertains to achieve the materialist goal by using physical resources.

e) Supernatural Value :

It is a meta physical value aiming to achieve the ultimate reality which is

beyond the physical word .Eg : Ultimate salvation of Mukthi.

f) Tribalistic Value :

It relates to the submission of one self to higher authority.

g) Deontic value :

It considers one's own duty as the supreme religion.

h) Utilitarian value :

It relates to the realisation of benefit over cost.

i) Consequentiality Value :

Where more values are assigned To those actions having good

consequences.

3)Family Values :

The concept of family is considered to be the basic unit of a society

instead of an individual the family ensures the continuity of the value and
tradition of the family.

In the family system the interest of each member of the family is protected

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through law of interest.

Example :

Parents do not see any personal benefit when they give something to the
children. The children has to recognize the contribution made by the
parents building their life and they do not only pass on the same benefits to
their own children but also to take care of their own children but also to
take care of their parents when they grow old

The system of family value is maintained by tradition and trust.

4) Professional Values :

Every person joins organization to earn his livelihood and to contribute to

the society.

These organizations are designed to serve a specialized function of the

society and thus it need a set of value to keep all Members of organization
motivated and United values reflect highest thought.

5) Individual Values :

These are the values which are related with the develop of human
personality or Individual norms of recognition and protection of the human
personality such as honesty, loyalty and honour.

Individual values can further be classified into following categories :

a) Practical value

b) Moralistic Values

c) Core Values

d) Social Values

e) Civic Values

f) Aesthetic Values

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6) Collective Values :

Values connected with the solidatory of the community or collective norms

of equality, justice, solidarity and sociableness are known as collective
values.

7) Intrinsic Values :

These are the values which are related with goals of life. They are
sometimes known as ultimate and transaction values. They determine the
schemata of Human Rights and duties and of human virtues. In the
hierarchy of values, they occupy the highest place and superior to all other
values of life.

Sources of Values :

1) Family Values :

The family and family heritage excert a greatest influence on the value of a
person many traditions and beliefs transcends from generation to
generation.A child brought up in such a family background will not escape
The traditional influence of the family.

2) Parents :

Mother is the first teacher and home is the first school which imbibe the
child with the moral characters. Parents are there first two install the ideas
of good or bad right or wrong in the minds of budding childs.

3) Teacher :

Good values like sincerity, discipline, truth ,positiveness ,equality are the
morals, the students at their young age learn from there teachers. A good
teacher is a guide and philosopher to his students.

4) Peer groups :

Besides classmates and close friends a person has to lead his life with the
company of many as he grows up they may be the colleagues ,playmates
,friends at clubs ,organisations or maybe the neighbours or persons having
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common habits and ideologies any individual cannot totally escape from
influence of these to any extent and of any kind.

5) Friends :

The personality of an adolescent may be moulded or spoiled by friends

.They play a critical role at one stage of a person there are few noble
personalities which look a right turn due to good friendship and many
spoiled personalities due to bad friendship.

6) Institutions :

Institutions exert a strong and significant influence on the minds of people

regarding their moral attitudes. The institutions may be social, cultural
,educational or religious.

7) Culture and Tradition :

The different societies will have different moral standards due to the
culture and tradition they follow .The moral values of the individuals will be
influenced by the colour Moral standards of the society in which he brought
up and lives.

8)Religion :

It plays insignificant role in cultivating the values in the personality an

individuals .The beliefs ,habits ,rituals and the moral attitudes defined by
the religion of a particular person.

9) Political system :

The political philosophy of different countries influences the values and

beliefs of its citizens.

10) Environment :

The physical environment of different areas on the earth also influence the
values and attitudes of the people.

11) Role Models :

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Depending upon the educational and cultural Heights religious of an
individual the accepted leaders influence the values and attitudes of the
followers .Thus Abraham Lincoln ,Gandhiji and Ambedkar may influence
some while film heroes and heroines me influence others and religioun
leaders philosophers sports personalities may influence yet another and so
on.

MORAL STANDARDS :

1) It is derived from Latin word "moralis" relating to morals or customs,

custom.

2) Moral standards are based on good and beneficial reasoning and not on
authority and common in contrast to this law or concerned with what is
legally right or wrong .Moral standards are the norms about the nature of
actions believed to be morally right and wrong as well as the values placed
on them .Moral norms are generally expressed as rules of our actions.

For example :

Be truthful ,Do not lie, Be kind to poor, It is wrong to kill innocent people.

3) Moral standards are learned from childhood, from family, friends and
various external influences through Institutions ,schools ,mass media
,newspaper ,music Association etc. As the child grows he or she tries to
evaluate and revise these moral standards and adopt new standards which
are more reasonable.

NON -MORAL STANDRADS :

The non-moral are to be differentiated from non-moral standards or

conventional standards. The non-moral standards are generally guided by
laws, regulations, procedures,systems or conventions .They are
importantbindicators of a persons ethical standards, but cannot be called
moral standards.

For ex :

Often people make judgements about right or wrong ,or good or bad and
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make remarks as 'This is right ' ' That us Bad ','He is wrong 'the manager is
partial 'etc.

Differences between Moral and Non-Moral standards

MORAL STANDARDS NON-MORAL STANDRADS

1)Based on concept of morality 1)Not based on morality

2)It is original not given by any 2)It is formulated by an agency or

authority. person

3)It is an ideology and normative 3)It is practical and pragmatic

4)It us neutral impartial and 4)It is relative

universal

5)Needs an inclination to follow 5)It is practice oriented

6)There are some obligation to obey 6)No such obligations

7)It is an individual inclination 7)It is an outward manisfestation

8)It is an individual perception 8)Based on CommonAccepted rules

9)Voilation of moral standards hurts 9)Does not relates to any

ones sentiments sentiments

10)Based on good logical reasoning 10)Based on conventions,

regulations or norms

Characteristics of Moral standards :

1) Moral standards deal with matters that are serious :

For example :

Endosulphate caused havoc in coastal. It is a matter of moral standard.

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2)Moral standards are self regulatory :

They cannot be changed by the laws and regulations of bodies including

the government.

For example :

Even if India had a governing standard for cold drinks and the pesticide
contents met the permissible standards, moral standard dictate that if the
level of pesticide is bad for health the manufacturer must correct it and
stop marketing the product till it makes the correct formulated.

3) Moral standards are not guided by the self interest or other non-moral
standards :

Those who uphold their moral standards do not hesitate to sacrifice their
self-interests and other non-moral values. For example, Gopichand the
veteran badminton player rejected the advertisement contract for the
promotion of cold drinks of a multinational company. The loss of huge
income never lured him to sacrifice his morality .

4) Moral standards are based on impartial considerations :

For example :

In the case of Magi noodles, If the first reporter, has done so only to
safeguard the competitor of nestle company, it violates moral standards.
Moral standards demands the impartial consideration.

5) Moral standards are self inflicting :

For example :

If the legendary sports person, who felt guilty for having accepted the
sponsorship of cold -drink with objectionable level of pesticide, he will
uphold the moral standard once again.

6) Moral standards are based on impartial considerations :

The fact that one will be benefitted from a lie while others will be harmed is

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irrelevant to whether lying is morally wrong.

7) Moral standards are based on good reasoning and not authority:

Moral standards differ from laws and rules,.

For example :

If a student ablsents for an internal assessment test due to accident,

professor is legally right.If he allots zero marks, but it will be considered
morally wrong .

Thus moral standards should be differentiated on the above points. Moral

standards deal with matters which are of serious consequences are based
on good reasons and not on authority or regulations, over ride self interest,
are based on impartial considerations, and are associated with special
feelings such as guilt and shame and with special moral vocabulary such
as 'obligations 'or 'responsibility '.

EHICS :

introduction :

The term ethics is derived from the Greek word Ethikos meaning conduct,
custom or habit ,ethics is regarded as the science of morality which deals
with moral conduct, judgement, habit, character, rules or principles.

Definition :

1) According to R. Wayne Mondy "Ethics is the discilipne dealing with whT

is good or bad, Or right or wrong, or with moral duty and obligation "

2) Shea defines "Ethics as the principles of conduct governing an individual

or a profession and standards of behaviour "

3) According to Brain Harvey Ethics are the "Rules of standards that

governs behaviours ".

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Meaning :

The concept of 'EHICS' Can be analysed as It is a system of moral

principles and attitudes that guides our action to be morally correct, fair
and just.

Nature of Ethics :

1) Ethics is a Science of Morality :

The term moral originated from Latin word 'mos' meaning 'custom ' is an
accepted standard which defines what is good and what is wrong. The
cardinal principle of ethics is to be respect the established moral principles
and values in society so as to protect the interests of others. The moral
principles guide the individual behaviour and conduct.

2) Ethics are the principles of conduct :

Ethics involves judgment as to what is 'right'and what is 'wrong'and what

'ought' to be in human behaviour.

For example :

Not telling lies, Not stealing, Not harming the disabled, Helping the poor,
Not wasting the time, Doing the duty honestly, Not cheating others, Not
damaging the public property, Being kind and helping the aged one's etc.

3) Ethical behaviour reflects the feelings :

Our acts and behavior are reflection of our ethics. The behaviour are based
on one's feelings, which in turn depends on moral judgements.

For example :

When a student stolen money in order to pay his examination fees as he

was having no means, the person who lost the money may punish the
student and get back the money or being merciful having understood the
situation may excuse the student.

Which act I'd moral? Morality depends upon the feelings of the person and

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his moral judgements which influences his reaction or behaviour. This
ethical behaviour is our feelings if satisfaction or dissatisfaction about the
decisions we take.

4) Moral judgements based on ethical principle may differ from person to

person :

Our ethical behaviour or ethical response to a particular situation need not

follow a set pattern, as long as such actions do not cause harm to others in
society.

Example :

Consider the contradictory behaviour of two persons. One passing by a

beggar and another giving some money to the beggar .Both will have
reasons to explain and justify their action. One thinking that giving arm is
bad as it induces the beggar to be lazy and another contending that beggar
has no enough 'stamina to work '

Moral judgments depends upon their feelings and their satisfaction about
their moral principles and value system.

5) Ethics is self-education and self regulation :

Ethics is a value based approach to life, which is the basis of our

satisfaction and success in life. The behaviour and character of a person is
influenced by his understanding of moral principles and his satisfaction of
such values.

6) Ethics is concerned with morality and fairness of the decision and it's
consequences :

Ethics is to be judged by not only the action by also it's consequences. It

has long been established that there is a direct relationship between ethics
and happiness. A person will feel guilty of not obeying moral principles.

Examples :

Distributing spoiled food to pour fellows, Contributing to social purpose out

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of black money, providing free admissions in a private college only to their
own caste students etc. Are the unethical practices .

7) Ethics deals with morality, but not quite the same as morality :

Ethics is a kind of investigation. It includes the action as well as result.

Where as morality is the subject matter that ethics investigates.

8) Ethics are not the laws :

Ethics are neither laws nor instruments parallel to laws of the land. Ethics
makes for a complementary logic that aids law in balancing equity, fairness
and justice. Law may prevail over ethics in the course of judgements.

9) Ethics deals with Voluntory human conduct :

The conduct of the persons are voluntary, not forced or co-erced by other
which may differ from individual to individual and depending upon the
circumstances . Ethics is basically dealing with moral judgment regarding
Voluntory human conduct.

For instance injuring or even killing a person who has attempted to kill us
not considered a moral offence, but a cold blooded murder is considered to
be the highest kind of moral and legal crime.

10) Ethics is not religion :

Many people are not religious, but ethics applies to everyone .

11) Ethics is not based on cultural norms :

All cultures are not ethical.

For example :

Many superticious practices and untiuchability -prevailing in Hinduism,

slavery which prevailed in United States before the civic war, using of
atomic weapons on civilians in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, criminal practices
of religious fundamentalists are against the moral standards.

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12) Ethics is a Normative Science :

The pure science alone does not tell us what we ought to do, at the most
they provide explanations for what humans are like. But ethics provides
reason for how humans ought to act. Further Just something is
scientifically and technically possible, it may not be ethical to do it.

For example :

Removing the female foetus; getting test tube babies; cloning technology;
using atomic energy for destruction of the enemy countries; using chemical
weapons in war.. Etc all are becoming possible with development in
science and technology. But ethically accepted?

Objectives of Business ethics :

1) Ethical rules and principles :

Provides ethical rules and principles upon which the policies plans and
programmes of the business are formulated.

2) Ethical standards and values :

Provides ethical standards and values so that the performance of the

business organizations can be evaluated on the basis of standards. It also
helps the ethical diagnosis of the past.

3) Guidance to managers :

Guides the managers to manage the enterprise on ethical lines.

4) Ethical decisions :

Provides moral standards to make decisions on ethical principle so that the

strategies are fair, just and consistent.
5) Truthfulness

6) Accuracy

7) Objectivity

8) Impartiality

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9) Fairness

10) Public accountability

Holistic view of ethics :

1) Holistic view of ethics involves a basic underlying concept of the unity and integral wholeness of all
people.

2) Holistic approach in management is based on spiritual principal of Unity , Oneness or Advaita concept .

3) Under this principle of Unity the universe is an undivided whole where each and every particle is
connected with every other particle Thuss entire humanity is one.

4) Such an integrated human personality is self developed . Manager and worker can assure best and
Competent management of enterprise involving collective works and efforts.

5) it will achieve perfection or excellence in whatever sector you work.

6) This is the ideal of Indian Ethos 'Atmano mokshartham Jagat Hitaya cha [For gaining perfection in
individual life as well as for the Welfare of the world] .

7) This is the message for all managers and workers given by the Indian Ethos for management .

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