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RUNNING HEADER: Universal Values
Universal Values
NAME
MGMT 427
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Universal Values
The attitudes of people are based on the values they hold and live by. Kluckhohn and
Strodtbeck's Values Orientation Theory proposes that all human societies must answer a limited
number of universal problems, that the value-based solutions are limited in number and
universally known, but that different cultures have different preferences among them. For this
writing, I chose a YouTube video by Peggy Marcy which highlights Kluckhohn’s framework of
values for cultures while also covering cross-cultural teaching in regard to values. Here are the
six dominant themes
of the value orientation: the self, the family, the society, human nature,
nature, and the supernatural.
The Self
Regardless of their culture, people develop their own self-identity. How their identity is
cultivated is influenced by the values in that culture. In the U.S., people are seen as unique
individuals and strive for independence from others. When individuals succeed or win, they
receive a great deal of attention and praise. The individual is “put on a pedestal.” Likewise, when
individuals lose, they are often left to suffer alone. No one wants to be seen with a loser. Whether
on the top or on the bottom, the individual experiences intense emotions. The second variation of
the self is age. Low-context cultures tend to value youth. Conversely, old age is valued in many
cultures, such as Nigeria, where it is associated with wisdom. “In Nigeria the elderly is respected
because they have much experience and can pass on family history and tradition”[UniNd].
This
could come into play in the aviation industry as some companies may believe that experience
comes with time, however, and unfortunately people age over time. As a result of FAA
regulations and the stereotypical infirmities that come with age, many airlines systematically
discriminate against older pilots when making employment decisions, with the frequent result
that a relatively inexperienced pilot is promoted to captain.
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- Winter '14
- Sociology
