I was familiar with values prior to this week’s readings. However, protected values was something new to me. Thinking logically about the term as values we protect seems simple enough. Yet, protected values can be defined as “those that resist trade-offs with other values” (Baron, 1997, p. 70)”. In other words, values should not be “sacrificed for any compensating benefit, no matter how small the sacrifice or how large the benefit” (Hoch, Gunther, & Kunreuther,2001, p. 251). People try to create rules such as not allowing any trade offs when it comes to abiding by their protected values. These protected values are important “because they ensure that values will be kept in mind in every decision, but they are harmful to policy makers and managers because they make trade-offs impossible” (Hoch et al., 2001, p. 255). This carries over into our daily lives when confronted with decisions that may compromise our protected values. In other words, it brings into question whether or not fully abiding by our protected values is even possible because trade-offs seem inevitable.
Three of what I consider to be my protected values consist of protecting the environment, a healthy lifestyle, and authenticity. These values were gained mostly through personal experience and observation. I have other protected values, but these three values can especially be heavily tested when it comes to making trade-offs. I value protecting the environment and believe everyone should do their part in preserving our earth for future generations. I try to be conscientious and consider how my decisions affect the environment. I think doing our part probably varies a broad spectrum of degrees, but if everyone did something to contribute to a sustainable environment then we would be much further ahead. By no means am I an extremist or out organizing demonstrations to save mother earth. My actions include recycling, energy saving methods, and water conservation to align with this protected value. This assignment challenges me to consider if I am doing everything I can to support my protected value. I know I make trade-offs every day that impact the environment. For example, eating meat, driving to work, using electricity, are all things that probably aren’t the best for the environment. However, I also have to keep in mind that “in practical terms, we cannot spend all our resources on protecting the environment, saving human lives, protecting human rights, or any one thing” (Hoch et al., 2001, p. 251).
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle has always been a value to me. The pro in this case is that I know that not only I, but my family reap the benefits of my efforts to be healthy. Does this mean that every action I take revolves around whether or not it is a healthy decision? Absolutely not. And that is where the con or trade-off occurs. I am realistic and know I am going to occasionally eat some unhealthy food or drink alcohol, but I am willing to accept such trade-offs. I simply don’t have the time or energy to sustain a perfect lifestyle regarding health. I’m not sure who really does. And I believe if one is so focused that much in one area, there is a bit of an imbalance.
Authenticity is another protected value I try my best to achieve and avoid trade-offs. People who know me know I am dependable and live by a ‘say what I do and do what I say’ attitude. As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. People also trust me because I never give them a reason not to. If someone comes to me for advice, they I know I won’t just tell them what they want to hear. Does this mean I walk around telling every person exactly what is on my mind? No. I don’t think I would have many friends or believe I would be employed very long if I spoke my mind without a filter. There lies the trade-off. The pro in this case is that using my filter is beneficial to everyone, but is also a con because it damages the protection of my authentic value. I remain cognizant that each decision I make either strengthens or weakens my personal relationship with each of my protected values. Essentially, my understanding is that my level of protection is only as strong as the decisions made to support the protection. However, I also realize that there is no such thing as maintaining a protected value 100% of the time for a lifetime and trade-offs are necessary to achieve a balance.
References:
Baron, J., & Spranca, M. (1997). Protected values. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 70(1), 1-16.
Hoch, S., Kunreuther, H., & Gunther, R. (2001). Wharton on making decisions. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc.
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