Functional theory of human values: Applications to organizations

Abstract

This paper describes a functional theory of human values and links the theory to important organizational variables. The theory identifies two consensual value functions: values as guides of human actions, and values as expressions of human needs. The first function differentiates three types of value orientations (social, central, and personal), while the second function classifies values as either humanitarian or materialistic. A combination of these two functions yields six sub-functions of values (excitement, promotion, existence, suprapersonal, interactive, and normative). Three empirical studies are described that examines the influence of these sub-functions of values on the organizational commitment of employees in a private organization (Study 1), job-related affective well-being of public servants (Study 2), and fatigue and burnout of nurses, psychologists and physicians (Study 3). Results support the influence of values on these variables, and are discussed in light of the functional theory of values.