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“Our core values are the guiding principles, under
which we operate. Faced with difficult decisions, we choose options
that best meet our core values”.
The core values are:
- Health and safety
- People
- Localisation
- Innovation
- Relationships
- Financial responsibility
- Integrity
Of course, a list of values is only the beginning
of values education The values have to be explicated. This means that
the lofty sounding words have to be translated into everyday actions
which show people what is “good” and bad” behaviours.
PSN does this. For example under “Integrity” it
explains that “we act openly and honestly – our code of ethics sets
the minimum standard for our behaviour”. Also listed under this value
are doing the right thing even if it affects our business prospects in
the short-term and complying with local rules and regulations. This
recognition of possible short-term “pain” for long-term gain is basic
in values education.
Under the value of “People” we find other values
of treating each other fairly with honesty, compassion and respect.
Under “Health and Safety” you’ll find an explanation that makes clear
that “safety is at the heart of everything we do … to watch an unsafe
act and do nothing is unacceptable”.
Do you believe it?
Many people I speak to believe that values
statements are just words and a pretence to “show what good guys we
are”. We all know the saying – the best way to judge the character of
the person is not by his/her words but by the way he/she acts. In a
conversation with a senior executive at PSN, it was explained that the
company refuses lucrative contracts in certain parts of the world
because it deems the risk to its people as being too high.
Of course values education involves much more
than just a list of values and an explanation of them. Values
education, and the benefits that can be gained from it involve people
in discussing, debating and arguing, what is right in specific
business situations. Read more of the articles on ethics education to
gain further insights into this.
Your comments on this article are most welcome. Send them to
info@valueseducation.co.uk.
Dr Bill would be happy to talk at your next conference or event and
share more insights into the fascinating field of values education.
Contact him on bill.robb@valueseducation.co.uk
Copyright © 2008 Values Education Ltd
Note to editors. Feel free to use this article as long as the
following details are retained. “A values education article from CAVE
www.valueseducation.co.uk
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