A632.5.5.RB - Protected Values in Decision Making

Baron, Spranca (1997) defined protected values as those that resist trade-offs with other values, particularly economic values. Protected values are held to the highest standard and they should not be traded or compromised. How does one define their protected values, how far should one go to uphold their values, and how do protected values influence one's decisions?

             Each individual is responsible for defining their protected values and using them to navigate through life. These values are guided much like a moral compass, one does not compromise their morals, standards, and beliefs in life by outside influences; therefore, protected values uphold the same standard. The protected values I hold close are faith, education, and financial security because each of these play an important role in my life. My faith in God is the foundation of my marriage, raising of my children, and my moral compass and, therefore, this value is put before any other. Education is an integral part of life and contributes to maturity, work, and social influence for life. By continuing my education and working hard, although it does require sacrifice, the payoff in the future will be rewarding. Learning does not stop once college is completed, it is important to continue learning from additional sources such as training programs, certifications, and on the job training. Finally, financial security is valuable and a major influence in my life because the more I save and invest for the future the less stress I will have when I retire or if an unexpected life event should happen. One cannot compromise their financial security because they risk losing their home, car, or job which will ultimately force an individual to compromise other protected values in order to survive.

            Values (n.d) are defined as something that is useful or important. Additionally, Hoch, Kunreuther & Gunther (2001) defined values as criteria for evaluating a state of affairs. Protected values are those that one will not trade off and will draw the line to protect them. One should challenge their protected values in order to test their confidence with conflict, (2001) stated that this will help with negotiations that are apparent of protected values on both sides. Individuals should realize that zero tolerance is unattainable because protected values are rarely fully protected and one may compromise their values at times due to unforeseen circumstances. Protected values will rarely be long term (2001), however; one should stand firm with their beliefs and adjust accordingly when necessary.

            Finally, protected values influence one’s decisions by guiding the decision process, however; Hoch, Kunreuther & Gunther (2001) explained that behavior and values may conflict; this is even more difficult for individuals when emotions are involved. Levitt-Rosenthal (2013) stated that throughout history using one’s values in personal decision making has implied integrity, ethical behavior, and leadership. Therefore, one should eliminate emotion as much as possible to make ethical decisions based on one’s protected values and use past experience to guide and influence their decisions.

            Overall, one should define their protected values, understand their limitations, and use past experience to guide their influence to make decisions. Although one would like to believe their values are unbreakable, it is important to know that zero tolerance is impossible to achieve and one should be tolerant of other’s values.

Baron, J., & Spranca, M. (1997). Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes. Science Direct, 70(1), 1-16.

Hoch, S. J., Kunreuther, H. C., & Gunther, R. E. (2001). Wharton on Marking Decisions. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc.

Levitt-Rosenthal, N. (2013). Ethics, values, and decision-making. Frontiers of Health Services Management, 30(1), 27-32. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/docview/1443260901?accountid=27203

"Value." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2016.