Core Workplace Values
Throughout the course of my career, I can safely say that while I have been aware of who I am, I have never truly equated my job with having any values associated with it intrinsically, per se. I have always tried to bring my values into my specific job; perhaps not all of them at the same time. Being in the military does pose certain perceived limitations when it comes to expressing behaviors with a sense of freedom. Thomas (2013), states that "individuals bring with them into an organization their own personal beliefs, perceptions, choices, and actions. They also rely on their personal values to make decisions" (as cited by Kluckhohn, 1951; Rohan, 2000; Rokeach, 1973; Schwartz, 1994) (p. 19).
I have assessed my core workplace values to include Integrity and truth, rewarding loyalty and dependability, friendships and warm working relationships, having a positive impact on others and society, and opportunity for balance between work life and family life (Hansen, n.d.). No matter where I have been in my life; no matter what jobs I have held; I have, and will always work to incorporate my personal values.
My values as they stand reflect the vision I hold of myself inside the workplace, as well as outside. Each one of these values are supported by my behaviors when engaging others in my personal life. At work, I attempt to incorporate these values of mine, however, due to the nature of the institution of the military, it feels at times impossible and unacceptable to having a positive impact on others and society, and difficult to recognize opportunity for balance between work life and family life. On the other hand, I can, and do bring integrity and truth into the workplace, I can reward loyalty and dependability of my subordinates, and create friendships and warm working relationships with those of like-mindedness. On a subconscious level, employees can profoundly impact co-workers with their own set of values, influencing work habits, feeling, and actions (Dean, n.d.).
In acknowledging these two shortfalls in the workplace, I aim to manage my time better by drawing up a work schedule alongside a family schedule, prioritizing both sides, and then combining the two to create one seamless balanced schedule. In terms of having a positive impact on others and society, I feel I must change my perception of what I do, and understand more clearly the effects it has on the larger picture. I tend to get lost in the daily minutia of tactical and operational tasks, and lose sight of the strategic picture.
Looking at Denning's (2011) four organizational values, I believe the U.S. Military, my employer, falls under the Hardball Strategist value at times, and at other times, Pragmatist. Perhaps both values are held at the same time to differing degrees in different environments. While the U.S. Military has many objectives, and works extremely hard to defeat its enemies, it has many laws that must be followed and upheld. At the same time, they work to create a unified, cohesive working team by setting up sporting events, social gatherings, and General Military Training (GMT). These events bring all military personnel together to invoke team work, and a learning environment.
To improve the U.S. Military's workplace environment, I feel they would do well to employ more of a Pragmatist value, as well as a Genuinely Ethical value. Doing so will improve interpersonal relations, moral perspectives, as well as protecting the inherent value that lies within the environment. If personal values do not align with their organizational values, it behooves the member to adjust their personal values so as to align them with the organizations. However, if the company's values are askew, the member can attempt to adjust the organization's values, given the effort is worthwhile (Warner, 2012).
References:
Dean, K. W. (n.d.). Values based leadership: How our personal values impact the workplace. The Journal of Values Based Leadership. Retrieved from http://www.valuesbasedleadershipjournal.com/issues/vol1issue1/dean.php.
Denning, S. (2011). The leader's guide to storytelling: Mastering the art of discipline of business narrative. San Frncisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Hansen, R. S. (n.d.). Welcome to quintessential careers. Retrieved from https://www.livecareer.com/quintessential.
Hughs, B. (2013, August 13). Aligning personal and corporate values: Are your values in alignment, or are you wishing for more? Retrieved from https://toughnickel.com/business/aligning-personal-and-corporate-values.
Thomas, T. P. (2013). The effects of personal values, organizational values, and person-organization fit on ethical behaviors and organizational commitment outcomes among substance abuse counselors: A preliminary investigation. Retrievd from Iowa Research Online (ETD 4920).
Warner, J. (2012, July 13). Climate and culture: How can individual and organizational values be better aligned? Retrieved from http://blog.readytomanage.com/how-can-individual-and-organizational-values-be-better-aligned/.
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