50+ Value Lists

What Is a Value List?

A value list is a comprehensive list that enumerates an individual or organization’s values. The list basically presents an outline of different kinds of values- whether numerical or non-numerical (e.g., core values).

According to an article published by MIT Sloan Management Review, more than 80% of established American corporations publish their official corporate values. However, only around 18% of companies include core values in their code of business conduct.  

Examples of Value Lists

A value list can be nothing more than a plain checklist of values or principles that one adheres to. But there are also value lists that contain numbers and figures. These two primary examples of value lists are described and discussed below.  

Core values list. Core values help direct an individual towards the path in which he or she desires to be. It is important to discover and retain a sense of what’s important to you. Identifying your innermost values is a practical way of learning what matters to you the most. The list of core values can seem endless; but you only have to pick out a handful of these. More than knowing what you value, it is even more important to know how to prioritize or arrange these values. Listing your top five or ten core values is already a positive step. Whether you are drafting a core values list for personal reasons or for professional requirements, it is crucial to be honest and open about your needs and experiences. A good core values list should be a true reflection of your deepest convictions and beliefs. Price value list. If a core values list contains qualitative and non-numerical items, a price value list is the exact opposite. Of course, the objective of either list is very different and unrelated. But it is still important to distinguish one from the other. A price value list is used within a consumerist and economic context. The list can either be simple or highly detailed. Buyers and sellers normally use a price list to check and compare the market value of goods and services. Market prices rarely remain fixed and often change due to various influencing factors. A price value list can help both the retailer and the consumer make wiser economic decisions. For example, a consumer can make better purchasing decisions if they have a benchmark or basis to compare existing prices against the actual value of the item they want.

Areas Where Values are Needed  

As discussed earlier, values are an important part of day-to-day life. They play a crucial role in the decision-making process. The choices people make are usually based on their values or what they deem important in the moment. The following examples describe some of the major areas where the need for values cannot be emphasized enough.    

Family Values. The family is the most basic societal unit. Without it, communities, cities and even countries would not have anything to be built upon. In today’s modern world, the definition of family has certainly broadened in scope and widened in perspective. Centuries and decades ago, nuclear families were all that people knew. It was the standard that society imposed upon individuals. But today, blended families, extended families, and friends that have become family are just some of the many types of family that people have learned to accept and acknowledge. With the diversity in familial relations, it is also natural for families to hold different values. Common and universal values such as love, quality time, generosity and tradition cut across cultural lines. But there are also culturally distinctive values that seem to be more prominent in certain societies than in others- such as respect for elders and the sacrifice of individualism for the collective good. Professional Values. Apart from family, work is one of the major areas that people deem most highly important. The workplace, in addition to the home, is where a majority of people spend most of their time. But having a job is different from thriving in the workplace. The latter has a lot to do with values and commitment. Whatever job or career you choose or find yourself in, it is important to establish what you want and recognize your values. Some examples of workplace values include ambition, teamwork, collaboration, motivation, and time management. In recent years, more and more companies are becoming more proactive in responding to progress and shifting attitudes. For instance, diversity and inclusivity are two of the most popular buzzwords that a lot of companies today are striving to cultivate within their organizations. Student Values. If values matter in the workplace, they also matter inside the classroom. Students who have a deep sense of what’s important tend to do better academically, and even non-academically, than their peers who seem to have no values at all. Students spend their formative years in school; thus, it is the responsibility of both educators and school administrators to promote and instill the appropriate values in their students. School-aged children need to be taught the right values and virtues while their minds are still impressionable and fertile for learning. Basic values like responsibility, honesty, respectfulness, sensitivity to others’ needs, and solidarity must not only be taught, but it ought to be practiced in and outside the classroom. At the end of the day, the holistic development and formation of students cannot be achieved without having a firm grasp of the right principles and values. Leadership Values. Leadership in itself can be considered a value. But for leadership to be positive and effective, it must have certain qualities. Individuals who hold important leadership positions have the responsibility to exercise their role with the right values in place. Fortunately, most of these leadership traits and principles can be learned and imparted. To illustrate, government leaders and elected officials must possess key leadership traits if they are to lead their countries with integrity and decency. Transparency, dependability, accountability, integrity and justice are just some important values that a good leader must cultivate. Poor leadership or management will naturally have a profound effect on an organization. A leader’s decisions and overall example undoubtedly affects the lives of those under them.

How to Create a Values List

To create a simple values list, you need to have a certain degree of self-awareness or an understanding of yourself. And if you are looking for quick and easy templates to use as a reference guide, there are tons of free templates above that you can easily download and edit. Simply choose one that suits your needs and follow the basic steps below.  

Step 1: Research and Reflect 

The first step in creating a values list is to do your research. Adequate research is necessary if you want your list to be as complete and genuine as possible. It takes a certain amount of introspection to be able to come up with a core values list. You cannot do so unless you invest the time and effort to reflect. Doing some research may also help if you are looking for additional inspiration or ideas. You will never know what is important to  you unless you take a long and hard look at yourself. For instance, before you sit down and list your core values, try to recall past experiences  or lessons that have struck you or remained with you over the years.     

Step 2: Establish Your Objective

The next step is determining your purpose or objective for creating a core values list. There is always a motive behind every action or reaction. It may not always be known or clear, but motives, impulses or even problems can push someone to act. To promote greater clarity and transparency to yourself or to a group, it would be helpful to establish an objective for writing a values list. A goal or objective can help keep you focused and grounded. It does not have to be anything complex or sophisticated. A simple and brief statement should do. You want to avoid writing anything too vague or lengthy.    

Step 3: Choose a Format

Once you have identified your objective, the next step is to decide on a format that works for you. As you’ll see in the curated collection of sample templates above, there can be a number of ways to present your values list. Whether it is a simple checklist or a highly detailed list with added visuals, the format would entirely depend on you. You have the option to merely state each value directly or include a brief description or note for every value. Again, you are creating a core values list for yourself. So it is important to pick a format that you’re comfortable with. Alternatively, you can also craft a values list for your family, office, or organization although these require collaboration.    

Step 4: List Down Your Values

The last step is listing down the values and principles that matter to you the most. If you’ve done enough research and introspection, creating your list should not be too difficult. Moreover, how you arrange your list would matter as well. When it comes to core values, it is crucial to master the art of prioritization. Although values can be equally important, you can try picking out two or three that have the greatest significance in your life. For example, you can have dozens of values listed but family and faith occupy the top two spots. If you’re in need of more ideas, browse the selection of sample lists above.  

FAQs

What are examples of values?

Examples of values include accountability, honesty, humility, empathy and solidarity.

What is a core value list?

A core value list is a complete list of an individual or organization’s values and principles. Core values are meant to inform or guide one’s decisions, behavior, and beliefs.

What are the 3 types of values?

According to Winning Futures, there are three types of values. These are character values, work values and personal values.

Values play a fundamental role in how one lives out their life. It affects relationships, decisions, and every other aspect of one’s life. Download a free template from the wide selection of sample lists above to craft your own values list now!