1.4.1 Value Systems Analysis: Application to Team Motivation

Abstract

Degree of conjointness between task structure, organizational structure and personal value system determines how well individuals and teams accomplish tasks. People cope with the demands of situations in accordance with (predominantly) one of eight value systems. Many approaches to motivation are based on “one size fits all,” assumptions. Value system analysis allows one to select personnel whose value system is conjoinable to task and organizational structure. Total Quality Management (TQM) often fails because it assumes consistent responses from employees. The “emergent, cyclical double‐helix model of adult biopsychosocial development,” is a tool which enables matching people to tasks, managers and peers through value system analysis. Root causes of the failure of TQM and the lack of universal acceptance of the philosophy of W. Edwards Deming are clarified through value systems analysis. Illustrative scenarios are presented. A general procedure for staffing teams is outlined.