Values and Individual DifferencesPeople are Different

Jerwin J. CapurasReporter

Copyright 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

ValuesBroad preferences concerning appropriate courses of action or outcomes.Values influence behavior and attitudes.

ValuesTerminal values reflect a persons preferences concerning the ends to be achievedInstrumental values reflect a persons beliefs about the means for achieving desired ends

ValuesGordon Allports values categoriesTheoretical valuesEconomic valuesAesthetic valuesSocial/Altruistic valuesPolitical valuesReligious valuesIndividualistic values

ValuesMaglinos categories of workplace valuesAchievementHelping and concern for othersHonestyFairness

The Importance of Workplace ValuesYour workplace values are the guiding principles that are most important to you about the way that you work. You use these deeply held principles to choose between right and wrong ways of working, and they help you make important decisions and career choices.

Copyright 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.2-*

Copyright 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Other examples of workplace valuesBeing accountable.Focusing on detail.Delivering quality.Being reliable.Meeting deadlines.Helping others.Respecting company policy and rules, and respecting others.Showing tolerance.

ValuesValue congruence occurs when individuals express positive feelings upon encountering others who exhibit values similar to their own

What are individual differences and how are they related to workforce diversity?Workforce diversityThe presence of individual human characteristics that make people different from one anotherPractices and policies that seek to include people who are considered in some way different from the prevailing group

Challenge of workforce diversity.Respecting individuals perspectives and contributions and promoting a shared sense of organizational vision and identity.As workforce diversity increases, the possibility of stereotyping and discrimination increases.Demographic characteristics may serve as the basis for stereotypes.

What are individual differences and how are they related to workforce diversity?Equal employment opportunityNondiscriminatory employment decisionsNo intent to exclude or disadvantage legally protected groupsAffirmative actionRemedial actions for proven discrimination or statistical imbalance in workforce

What are individual differences and how are they related to workforce diversity?Demographic characteristicsThe background characteristics that help shape what a person becomes

What are individual differences and how are they related to workforce diversity?GenderNo consistent differences between men and women in:Problem-solving abilitiesAnalytical skillsCompetitive driveMotivationLearning abilitySociability

What are individual differences and how are they related to workforce diversity?AgeAging workforce Older workers are more susceptible to stereotypingExperienced workers, who are usually older, tend to perform well, be absent less, and have low turnover

What are individual differences and how are they related to workforce diversity?Able-bodiednessDespite evidence of effective job performance, most disabled persons are unemployedMost disabled persons want to workMore firms are likely to hire disabled workers in the future

What are individual differences and how are they related to workforce diversity?Racial and ethnic groupsAfrican Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans make up an ever-increasing percentage of the American workforce

What are individual differences and how are they related to workforce diversity?Important lessons regarding demographic characteristicsRespect and deal with the needs and concerns of people with different demographicsAvoid linking demographics to stereotypesDemography is not a good indicator of individual-job fits

What are individual differences and how are they related to workforce diversity?AptitudeA persons capability of learning somethingAbilityA persons existing capacity to perform the various tasks needed for a given jobIncludes relevant knowledge and skills

Important lessons for valuing and supporting diversity.

Appreciate differencesAcknowledge that diversity shapes the organization.Respect the needs of all.Practice inclusion.Commit to social responsibility.

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