Personal Values Development Paper

Personal Values Development Paper

Many people face ethical dilemmas on a daily basis. According to Nelson and Trevi (2004), ethical dilemmas are perceived as “situations concerning right and wrong where values are in conflict”. When faced with such ethical dilemmas, questions will arise, such as a) how do I react, b) what is the thought process behind the reaction, and c) what forged the feelings and beliefs I have. This paper will address these questions as well as the potential impact of my values and my performance in the workplace.

To determine the familial influence on my ethic system development one need not look any further than my immediate family. I was raised on a farm in a moderately rural area. The second of four children, my parents and my older brother were most influential. The farm was secluded and when I was not in school, there was little contact with others. From a very young age, I can remember going to work on the farm along with my siblings. The work was hard but forged a very strong work ethic in us all. Working hard is an integral part of who I am today. And being there for my family when needed taught me a valuable lesson in social responsibility.

My father raised many types of animals on his farm. There were many times that I either followed him around while he fed and cared for the animals, or I assisted him. Even though some animals were raised to put food on our table, my father had a kind and sensitive way of working with them. At a very young age I could sense that my father attempted to provide the best living environment possible or our livestock and that when the time came for an animal to be butchered, my father did his best to make sure that animal did not suffer.

“A commitment to personal ethics is about developing a moral self capable of dealing with ethical issues as they arise. It is about each of us acquiring an acute awareness of the conditions that define our ethical perspectives and those of others” (Ethical, 2003). Many times the first response to an ethical dilemma is to prejudge and use bias instead of using careful analysis to determine the response. By having the appropriate knowledge and skills available, I can increase my chances of making sound ethical decisions.

I tend to base my ethical perspective on an individual’s duty or obligation to do what is morally right - principles that represent what rational persons ought morally to do and believe that ethical conduct appeals to conscience. In other words, I am more concerned with intent than results. Different attitudes towards ethics can negatively impact one’s personal relationships. I would feel uncomfortable being in a close personal relationship with someone who has conflicting ethical views. Therefore, my closest friends and loved ones have similar ethical perspectives and are able to openly and confidently discuss ethical issues without subscribing to a position until all facts are known and all ideas are explored. When in a situation where there is the potential for conflict, I must keep an open mind and not prejudge an issue. In this way, those involved are more likely to reach a better outcome.

In order to make sound, ethical decisions, one must have a clear sense of what is right and what is wrong and be knowledgeable about a subject. My educational experience has had a profound impact on my ethical decision-making. I have become a better-rounded individual and better equipped to make sound professional ethical decisions. By taking the time to perform thorough research and by listening to all parties involved and giving everyone’s opinion the respect and consideration that they deserve, I cannot only strengthen my ethical position but I can also base my response on careful analysis.

My family has provided a strong foundation of values on which to build. Along with that the long and winding path to where I am today has given me the opportunity to meet people who I may never have had I stayed in my small town. I have tried to take small pieces of the positives in them and institute these values and beliefs into my daily life. My value system includes but is not limited to a) honesty, b) integrity, c) dedication, d) trustworthiness, e) professionalism, f) teamwork, and g) loyalty. The relationships I have developed at work and the institutions I have worked at have influenced