You might find this interesting. Or not. It's a values tool I came upon a long time ago. I claim no expertise in this area. But I found it a lot of fun to do and quite useful. I've redone it several times at 4-5 yer intervals.
It's called the Rokeach Value Survey Instrument. It has two sets of values, terminal values and instrumental values. What you do is rank order each set of values.
The reason I thought it might interest you is to illustrate how you can value many things highly and struggle mightily to choose which you value most. For example, you can wish Elian would stay but still put a higher value on following the law.
Here are the values.
The Rokeach Value Survey Instrument (1)
Terminal values
A comfortable life (a prosperous life)
An exciting life (a stimulating, active life)
A sense of accomplishment (making a contribution)
A world of peace (free of war and conflict)
A world of beauty (beauty of nature and of the arts)
Equality (brotherhood, equal opportunity for all)
Family security (taking care of loved ones)
Freedom (independence, free choice)
Happiness (contentedness)
Inner harmony (freedom from inner conflict)
Mature love (sexual and spiritual intimacy)
National security (protection from attack)
Pleasure (an enjoyable life)
Salvation (saved, eternal life)
Self respect (self-esteem)
Social recognition (respect, admiration)
True friendship (close companionship)
Wisdom (a mature understanding of life)
The Rokeach Value Survey Instrument (2)
Instrumental Values
Ambitious (hard-working, aspiring)
Broadminded (open-minded)
capable (competent, effective)
Cheerful (lighthearted, joyful)
Clean (neat,tidy)
Courageous (standing up for your believes)
Forgiving (willing to pardon others)
Helpful (working for the welfare of others)
Honest (sincere, truthful)
Imaginative (daring, creative)
Independent (self-reliant, self-sufficient)
Intellecutal (intelligent, reflective)
Logical (consistent, rational)
Loving (affectionate, tender)
Obedient (dutiful, respectful)
Polite (courteous, well-mannered)
Responsible (dependable, reliable)
Self-controlled (restrained self disciplined)
To do the instrument you create a matrix for each set of values and place the values both down the left side and across the top. Then you go through it box by box and check those where the value on the left is more important than the value at the top. When you're done, you add the checks across. Whichever value gets the most checks is your highest value.
As I said, I've done this several times. The values move around some from time to time, but wisdom always comes out first and salvation last among the terminal values. <g>
Give it a try if it piques your interest.
Karen |
