The Diversity of Value Construal: A Constructivist Approach to the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values

Abstract

The Schwartz theory of basic values is the leading model in psychological research. However, few studies qualitatively approach how people make sense of value types. We propose a way to investigate this by focusing on emerging adulthood, a developmental period of exploration. Furthermore, participants are situated in the context of Balkan societies that are characterized by transitions. Relying on personal construct theory, we explored potential interpretations of values, their subordinate constructs, diversity, valence, and similarity to the definitions proposed in the theory. We used pyramiding in order to prompt constructs subordinate to each of the ten values. We applied thematic analysis to identify subordinate constructs in the 5866 responses obtained from 281 participants. The results show that participants understand abstract values through constructs that refer to specific actions, feelings, and personality traits. The values varied in the number of subordinate constructs and the degree of their deviation from the conceptual definition. There are also differences in the connotations of values or their desirability. Results show that all values, except Universalism, have a subordinate construct that expresses the negative side of the value. This study offers a more contextualized and content-oriented approach to values and has implications for future studies.

Liderazgo de servicio y valores hacia el trabajo como atributos del emprendedor social: una exploración en capacitandos y estudiantes de negocios en el Estado de México

“…Dicha teoría es una de las más probadas en el campo del comportamiento humano (Corrons y Garay, 2019), al considerar que los valores expresan metas motivaciones con diferentes intensiones de deseabilidad y valía. Su estructura dinámica circular identifica diez valores básicos (primer nivel), cada uno caracterizado por una meta motivacional diferente: auto dirección, estimulación, hedonismo, logro, poder, seguridad, conformidad, tradición, benevolencia y universalismo (Belic et al, 2022). En un segundo nivel, y como valores que ayuden a enfrentar colectivamente los requerimientos de una sociedad, están auto trascendencia, apertura al cambio, conservación y auto mejora, en donde los valores que representan metas motivacionales incompatibles (por ejemplo, apertura al cambio y conservación) ocupan lados opuestos, mientras que los valores que comparten metas motivacionales están más cercanos entre ellos (por ejemplo, apertura al cambio y auto trascendencia).…”

“…De manera voluntaria busca ayudar a los otros siendo honesto, responsable, leal, amistoso, amoroso y espiritual, motivado por sentirse útil y posponiendo los intereses propios, lo que pudiera causar problemas al interior de su familia. En contra parte, el auto engrandecimiento es una meta motivacional que tiene mayor presencia en el emprendedor tradicional, al enfocarse en el status social y el prestigio, el control y dominio sobre las personas y los recursos; al éxito personal a través de demostrar competencias acordes los estándares sociales (Belic et al, 2022).…”

On the Role of Security in the System of Personal Values: Are Conservatives Prioritizing Security?

“…Belic et al [24] are more comprehensive in their study. They propose to "treat values as superordinate constructs whose meanings rest on their subordinate constructs idiosyncratic to every person" (p. 1280).…”

Motivating Factors to Volunteers in Hawassa

“…People whose main goal is to advance their own interests may not regard it, but they may even find it offensive when they are "requested to choose" it. However, people who behave in accordance with their goal of achievement, power, hedonism, stimulation, and self-direction value orientations are at odds with others who act in accordance with their pursuit of universalism, benevolence, security, conformity, and tradition (Atif et al, 2022;Belic et al, 2022;Izadpanah et al, 2018;Jeong et al, 2023;Miloš & Novak, 2018;Páez Gallego et al, 2020;Wayment & Bauer, 2018). As far as the way values affect individuals' behavior, Kajonius et al (2015), Rudnev and Vauclair (2018), and Liu et al (2021) stated that people who value self-enhancement and openness to change selfish lives, and who do not value self-transcendence and conservation value types.…”