The most difficult ethical challenge you face may come from competing personal values. The answers to ethical issues are not always black and white. When faced with a situation, we must really think about the complexities of the situation, our personal values, cognitive bias, and the societal norms that impact moral disengagement. This process starts with a fundamental understanding of our personal values. Terminal values are the end result values that indicate what you want your life to ultimately be about when your time on earth is over. These indicate a desired end-state. Instrumental values are what we traditionally discuss in relation to moral and ethical behavior. Instrumental values moderate our daily behavior, based on associated consequences. Acting on our instrumental values leads to achievement of terminal values. In preparation for a discussion about our personal values, please complete the Rokeach Value Survey. Below is the [DOC file size 13.2 KB], which lists 18 terminal values and 18 instrumental values. In preparation for this discussion: More detailed description of each value can be found in this pdf: [PDF file size 6.7 MB]
