Value Types

Political

Political value is characterised by the pursuit of power. People at the top levels of any organisation probably were led there by their desire for power. People with a high power motive seek to influence, personal prestige, control, authority, strength and the other trappings of power described by the words in the “political” rows on the PVS. The political person recognises the relationship between money and power and may measure success in rands. However, the ultimate goal is position. This type of person joins clubs with the ultimate goal of becoming the presiding officer, works for advancement and promotion opportunities and also desires social status and recognition.

Aesthetic

People who possess a high degree of aesthetic value seek beauty, symmetry and harmony. They are interested in the artistic episodes of life. Style and charm may be more important to them than practicality. They believe in the dignity of man and the nobility of the individual. Hence, they may be self-sufficient and individualistic. One need not be an artist to value art and culture. Taste, appearance and elegance are signs of refinement sought by the aesthete and money is seen as a necessary means to those ends. The pomp and pageantry of position and power also may be important to the aesthete. One cannot associate with just anyone or belong to just any club. A “good” address, the “best” schools, travelling first class and entertaining well are necessities. The aesthete does not sponsor a fish fry or a braaivleis - a formal dinner is more the style. Affluence can provide the finer things in life and the aesthete’s sense of taste, decorum and style fit well in such an environment.

Social

The social or humanitarian value indicates a love of fellow beings. This does not necessarily characterise people who are outgoing but reflects a humanitarian concern for the welfare of others. A social person tends to be kind, sympathetic, warm and giving. Such a person values charity, unselfishness and the freedom of others and is apt to offer aid and assistance to others as well as understanding. To be able to contribute to another’s happiness and well-being is the altruistic goal of the humanitarian. To act for materialistic gain without first considering the consequences of the act for other people is against the nature of the social person. The cold and unsympathetic nature of some of the other types of people is abhorrent or frightening to the social person.

Theoretical

Theoretical people value truth and knowledge above all else. To think, learn, reason, probe, analyse and explain are important to them. Because they are critical, logical and empirical, they tend to value science, research, information and theory. Not only knowledge but the organisation and cataloguing of knowledge are important to them. They tend to be detached and unemotional as they seek to solve problems, develop theories and form questions; and their critical natures may cause them to be regarded negatively by some members of the organisation. Theoretical people recognise that knowledge is power but may not recognise the importance of emotional appeal, especially to aesthetic and social individuals. A theoretical person may become frustrated at the failure of others to realise the value of knowledge and theory but also may fail to recognise the need for more practical solutions.

Economic

Practicality and usefulness are important to the economic person. Unlike the theoretical person, the economic type has no use for the knowledge that is not immediately applicable to pragmatic achievement, to the production of something tangible and useful. Efficiency and effectiveness are measured by profit and prosperity. Because these people value efficiency, they tend to be thrifty and may be perceived by aesthetic and social individuals as stingy or selfish. The economic practice of conserving resources stems from the feeling that life is a struggle and that self-preservation requires that resources be used wisely. However, if convinced of the practical value of aesthetics, the economic individual may mistake luxury for beauty, with results that are perceived by others to be extravagant. The economic individual also may judge the value of others by their wealth or income as well as their ability to produce. In pursuing goals or achievements, the economic individual tends to take risks in order to minimise input costs.

Religious

People who hold high religious values tend to abandon experience and logic for faith in an unseen power. The religious person may be described as a mystic, a seeker of unity with the totality of nature. Life may be seen as a divine creation, planned and executed by a higher, guiding order. Self-denial, prayer and meditation may be valued or life itself may be the vehicle for achieving ultimate unity through experience and expression. This value is not included in this exercise because of the difficulty of finding words which mean the same thing to different people.

Combinations of Values

Some combinations of values seem to go together and to be mutually supportive, whilst others appear to conflict to varying degrees. For example, political and aesthetic values might be found in one individual simultaneously, perhaps in combination with theoretical values. In such a case, one might expect social and economic values to be ranked lower; however, this is not always true. Almost any combination may be found. Several combinations are described here to illustrate the different patterns and the conflicting nature of some combinations.

Political and Aesthetic

This sometimes-pompous individual believes in the “divine right of rulers,” especially himself or herself. Like General George Patton, who saw himself as the reincarnation of Alexander the Great, such people may believe that they were meant to serve some grand purpose. They are likely to be individualistic, express their beliefs freely and resist any attempt to control their actions.

Political and social: This benevolent ruler seeks power in order to oversee the well-being of others. By developing paternalistic relationships with others, this person serves them through strength, much as the Pope serves the Church.

Political and theoretical: Knowledge is the source of power that provides recognition, influence and control over others for this intellectual or scientific leader who regards other people as objects to be analysed and manipulated.

Political and economic: This individual finds that the position of the line, rather than staff, serves his or her goals of economic success, power and position. The typical, successful businessperson is an example of someone with these values.

Aesthetic and social: This altruistic soul instinctively knows what is right for humanity. Such a person artistically dramatises emotion and concern for the welfare of others, often by means of beautiful writing.

Aesthetic and theoretical: This may be the most conflicting combination of values. Theoretically, such a person would simultaneously be searching for thorough logic and explanations while relying on feelings and impressions to provide beauty.

Aesthetic and economic: To be practical and efficient while possessing style and beauty also may create conflict and the person who typifies this pattern is associated with commerce only at the highest cultural levels.

Social and theoretical: This individual is a professional who seeks to serve others through knowledge. Even though others may find such a person’s critical analyses of people to be cold, the person does strive to help others to become more rational.

Social and economic: For this individual, the goals of productivity and satisfaction are equally important and he or she encourages economic opportunity because it benefits people.

Theoretical and economic: Because this person is interested in practical applications of knowledge, he or she tends to be inventive. This practical approach to science produces a person who tries to solve problems.