Values

Ethics and Personal Values

As a professional person or as we face situations where we make decisions constantly, some of them spontaneously, others are more analytical, some daring, some reserved and so goes our day between decision and action. In the midst of making several factors influence the process such as finance, logistics, information available, among others, but there is an intangible factor which positively or adversely affect the decisions we make. Everyone has some criteria used to define and classify almost everything as relatively good or bad. These criteria are defined as values which influence our judgments and actions ("Value," 2001).

Learned, Dooley and Katz (1959) say that the value system is inherent in the conduct of all people. Also, our personal values, standards that we use to evaluate and take action, are different, to a greater or lesser degree, the values of others. Also mention that these values are not only different from individual to individual, but our values can change from one situation to another.

Understanding that we all have certain values, which influence our decision making, it is important to bear in mind what those criteria or bases that determine our belief of right and wrong in a situation. Many of our values from our spirituality as a human being, our cultural background or simply the experiences resulting in a diversity of values. That is why we do not behave the same way and take different decisions by everyday situations.

There is no standard values for decision making, but according to Robbins and Judge (2007) an individual has three different criteria used to make ethical decisions. One of these criteria is utilitarianism where decisions are based on the final product or the consequences for efficiency, productivity and profits. The second criterion is based on the rights of individuals, it finds that the decisions are based on respect and protection of the individual and the third is based on justice,...