Society is a group of people living together sharing their feelings, their problems whether financial, social, economic or otherwise. Before becoming an engineer, a doctor, an advocate, a good businessman or a good professional, it is necessary to be a good human being, because no one can perform their jobs perfectly till they have human feelings and human values. Human values touch upon every aspect of our lives. They affect the different aspects of society in different ways, whether in politics, the economy, business, education, humanity, technology, ethical values, moral values or cultural values. Whenever I used to contemplate about the “economic imbalance” in society, i.e. many are poor; whereas a few are rich, it always occurred to me that lack of human values is the fundamental problem. Human values are essential in each and every part of our lives, whether it is business, moral, social, physical and psychological. Social values are ideas which help an individual to discriminate whether a particular object or behavior is good or bad, desirable or undesirable. There are rules which govern actions which are known as “Norms”. People are expected to behave in accordance with the values held by the individual and according to the expected behavior which is known as “normative behavior”. In a broad sense, value may be considered as an attitude-related attribute that is projected upon people, objects and situations. Since values, sometimes gives orientation or striving towards a given goal, they can be viewed as motives. Societal values can change over time due to a variety of factors, such as changes in cultural norms, technological advancements, shifts in political and economic systems, and demographic changes. These changes can have a significant impact on various aspects of Consider these ways to reduce breaches of the psychological contract in your company. society, including education, employment, social norms, and personal relationships. For example, in recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in many societies. This has led to changes in policies and practices in areas such as hiring practices, educational curricula and social attitudes towards marginalized communities. Similarly, the rise of social media and the internet has transformed the way people communicate and connect with each other. This, also, has led to changes in the way people form and maintain relationships, as well as the way information is shared and consumed. Overall, changes in societal values can have both positive and negative effects, and it is important for individuals and communities to stay informed and engaged in discussions about these changes in order to shape the direction of society in a positive way
INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY
Technology has had a significant impact on
societal values over the years. Here are some
ways in which technology has influenced and
changed societal values:
COMMUNICATION: Technology has made
communication easier and faster than ever
before. With the advent of social media and
messaging apps, people can now connect
with each other instantly, regardless of
their location. This has changed the way we
communicate and has made us more reliant on
technology for communication.
PRIVACY: Technology has made it easier for
people to share personal information online,
leading to concerns about privacy. People now
have to be more cautious about what they
share online and who they share it with. This has
led to a shift in societal values around privacy
and security.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE: Technology has
enabled people to work remotely and be more
flexible with their schedules. This has led to a
shift in societal values around work-life balance,
with more people prioritizing their personal life
over their work
EDUCATION: Technology has made education
more accessible than ever before. Online
courses, e-books, and educational apps have
made it easier for people to learn new skills and
pursue their interests. This has led to a shift in
societal values around education, with more
people valuing lifelong learning and personal
development.
ENTERTAINMENT: Technology has changed
the way we consume entertainment. With
streaming services and social media, people
now have access to an endless supply of
entertainment options. This has led to a shift in
societal values around entertainment, with more
people prioritizing instant gratification and
constant stimulation.
Overall, technology has had a significant impact
on societal values. It has changed the way
we communicate, work, learn and entertain
ourselves, leading to a shift in societal values
around these areas. As technology continues
to evolve, it will undoubtedly continue to shape
and influence societal values in new and
unexpected ways.
Changing social norms, values and ethics is a
complex and ongoing process that can have
a profound impact on society. Social norms
refer to the unwritten rules of behavior that are
The CONSCIENCE of
an organisation
Workplace CULTURE
accepted by members of a particular group
or society. Values are the beliefs and attitudes
that guide individuals’ behavior, and ethics refer
to the principles and standards of conduct that
govern the behavior of individuals and groups.
Changing social norms, values, and ethics
can occur through a variety of means, such as
through education, social movements, media
influence, changes in laws and policie, and
shifts in cultural attitudes.
Some examples of social norms that have
changed over time include attitudes towards
gender roles, race relations and rights.
Changing values and ethics can also have
significant impact on society. For example,
shifts in attitudes towards environmentalism
and sustainability have led to changes in the
way that individuals and companies approach
issues related to climate change and resource
conservation.
Overall, changing social norms, values and
ethics is an ongoing process that can have
a profound impact on society. It requires a
combination of education, advocacy and policy
changes to create lasting change.
INFLUENCE OF EDUCATION
Education has a significant impact on
societal values as it helps to shape individuals’
perspectives, beliefs and attitudes towards
various aspects of life. Here are some ways in
which education can influence society values:
ENCOURAGING CRITICAL THINKING:
Education encourages individuals to think
critically and make informed decisions. This can
help them to develop values such as rationality,
logic and objectivity, which can help them make
better decisions and evaluate various issues and
topics objectively.
PROMOTING TOLERANCE AND EMPATHY:
Education can help individuals to understand
and appreciate diversity, and it can promote
values such as tolerance, respect, and empathy
towards others who are different from them.
FOSTERING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
Education can instill values such as
responsibility, accountability, and civic duty
in individuals. This can encourage them to
become more socially responsible and active in
their communities, which can contribute to the development of positive societal values.
Shaping cultural norms: Education can play
a crucial role in shaping cultural norms and
values. For example, education can help to
promote values such as gender equality,
environmental sustainability, and social
justice, which can contribute to positive
societal change.
Overall, education can have a
profound impact on societal values,
and it is essential to ensure that
education is accessible and
equitable to all members of society.
By promoting positive values and
encouraging critical thinking,
education can help individuals
to make informed decisions and
contribute to a more just and
equitable society.
INFLUENCE OF VALUES
Values in organizations refer to the
guiding principles or beliefs that
shape the behavior and decisionmaking of individuals within the
organization. These values are intended
to guide the behaviour of employees
towards achieving the organization’s
goals and objectives, and are typically
communicated through the organization’s
mission statement, vision statement, and core
values.
Values can have a significant impact on the
company’s culture, as they help to shape the
norms and expectations for behavior within the
organization. When values are clearly defined
and consistently reinforced, they can foster a
sense of community and commitment among
employees, and help to align the actions
of individuals with the overall goals of the
organization.
Examples of values that organizations may hold
include integrity, accountability, teamwork,
innovation, customer focus, and social
responsibility. The specific values that are
most important to a particular organization
will depend on its industry, mission, and
culture. Overall, values are a key component of
organizational culture, and can help to create
a sense of identity and purpose for employees,
while also guiding their behavior towards
achieving the organization’s goals.
To this end, HR plays
a vital rolein making sure
the organization
is living its purpose and
values. They can articulate
and role model desired individual
mindsets and behaviors linked to purpose
by identifying “moments that matter” in the
company’s culture and translating purpose into
a set of leadership and employee norms and
behaviors.
PROF. DR M AMR SADIK is VP Dimensions
Consulting Ltd. UK, based in Cairo, Egypt. He is an
HBR Advisory Council Member, Adjunct Professor
IPE Management School, Paris, and of Middle
East Programs for, Victoria University, School of
Management, Switzerland an
