It is easy to agree with people who share our values. It is much more difficult to require people to demonstrate the values of the organization when they conflict with their own. Depending on our own experiences, we develop different definitions of what is right and wrong, good and bad, and acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.
On the surface, it seems that we should all agree on basic values. However, in reality what people belief consciously may not be what they believe unconsciously. That is why peoples’ words and actions do not always agree. If they were synonymous we would not see sexual abuse, verbal abuse or physical abuse. Intimidation and harassment would not occur. Excusionary practices would not happen. Policy issues would be easy to resolve.
When we ask people to state their values, very often what they state are their conscious beliefs. Those things that society tells us are correct. We think and say what others expect us to say. However, we need to observe others to know their true values.
Many of us are not aware of our deeply held values but we do express them in our actions. Values are contained in our unconscious, therefore, on the surface someone may object to intimidation tactics yet tend to be aggressive when he does not get his way. When we confront a person in such situations he will rationalize his behaviour by stating that he
- is overworked
- needs a holiday
- usually does not act this way and does not know what happened in this situation
- thinks others are exaggerating the details of the situation
- believes this was a one-time incident and it will not happen again.
It is difficult to face our values when they are contrary to those expressed by the ‘good’ in our society. They are difficult to change because they are deeply held in our psyches. Even though boards want employees to practice the organizational values, this may not be possible. Values can be expressed but they cannot be negotiated or changed just by stating them.
The key is for each board is to recognize that ethical decision making may be difficult when personal values differ from those adopted by the board. Before making any decision, it is essential make sure that it is based on the established organizational values. Also, be aware that there it may be difficult to overcome the resistance of stakeholders who do not agree with board decisions.
