We know that values are important influences in an individual's choices, attitudes, and behaviors. Having an understanding of values is a key piece of information that managers and employees need in order to help them work more effectively with others. For managers in particular, it is important to understand values because they drive the concepts, principles, and activities an employee will be willing to work for.

Values are important for understanding organizational behavior because they influence our behavior across different settings. Schwartz believes that values are motivational and that they "represent broad goals that apply across contexts and time." Values are relatively stable and can influence behavior outside of our awareness. Schwartz proposed that there are ten broad values that guide behavior. He also identified the motivational mechanisms that underlie each value. This activity is important because it is these motivational mechanisms that give values their ability to influence behavior.

The goal of this activity is to match descriptions of employees with values.

Read the description of each employee. Match the employee description to the value it best matches.

Benevolence Self$-$direction Security Conformity Achievement Hedonism Stimulation Universalism Power Tradition

Match each of the options above to the items below.

For Nancy is it important to exhibit social status and prestige and to have control over people and resources.

Sam finds personal success through demonstrating competence according to established social standards.

Even though she is successful, Sonia$$s real pleasure is attaining personal gratification and enjoying life.

Rick feels that he needs excitement, novelty, and challenge in life to be truly happy.

One of the things Kathy likes about her current situation is that it allows independent thought and lets her choose her own goals.

Tammy places special importance on understanding and tolerance and on protecting the welfare of all people.

For Diego it is important to safeguard the welfare of the people he sees frequently.

Bob was brought up to respect and accept the customs and ideas provided by traditional culture or religion.

For Andrea it is important to act in a way that will not upset or harm others and will not violate social norms.

Sue needs the harmony and stability of personal relationships to feel comfortable.