Core Values and Beliefs

Have you ever thought why do we behave the way we do? Or what are the basis on which we take our important life decisions? Well, a lot of it has to do with the kind of upbringing we have had, our experiences in life and what all we have learned from them. It is on the basis of our experiences as well as our upbringing, our grasp of things around us, that helps us formulate our own, personal values. It is these values and beliefs that guide us when we are taking some decisions or behaving in a particular manner in our lives. Organizations too, these days, are guided by a set of their own core values. Although, profit-making is the main motive of all businesses, yet following certain values is equally important for any business to maintain their goodwill in the market. Let us try to know a bit more about these personal as well as organizational values.

Personal Values

Our personal values are mostly formed in our childhood and are greatly influenced by our parents and teachers. It is only in our childhood that we learn through our elders and also through observation of things around us about what is right and what is wrong. Later when we grow a bit older, perhaps when we are in our teens, our friends too have a great influence on us. At that particular time in our lives, our old values formed from childhood might even get replaced by some new ones.

When a person acquires adulthood, the kind of friends he chooses, the profession he opts for, the hobbies he pursues, the partner he seeks, all such important decisions are subconsciously based on some values and beliefs held by the person. Some examples are, all humans are equal or men are superior to women, a person makes his own life or a person cannot fight his destiny. Some of the universally accepted ones are honesty, integrity, commitment, care, respect for others and humanity.

Organizational Beliefs

Organizational values and beliefs guide it in its day-to-day functioning. Here is a list of some of them, that most organizations strive for in the modern business scenario.

Customers: Customer is the king. It is because of customers that businesses thrive. So, they should be satisfied by being offered new innovative products and excellent service.

Employees: An Organization cannot run without its employees. So employees should be well supported by the organization, so that their imagination, creativity, innovation and potential can be fully realized.

Integrity: An organization will do its business with full honesty and integrity. It will develop trust and meaningful relationships with whosoever it deals with, be it customers, investors, employees, shareholders or suppliers.

Efficiency: An organization will work very efficiently by optimally utilizing all its resources. Efficiency thus plays a big role in business ethics.

There is no standard set of beliefs, be it personal or organizational. What is right for one person or organization, might be wrong for another. However, as all our major decisions are based on our beliefs, our development and success in life is largely determined by them too. So a lot of thought, care and caution should be thrown in, to form personal values of our own.