What are Values...? Can You Change Your Values...?

WHAT ARE “VALUES”...? 

Values are beliefs about what is good or bad. 

Your values determine what is desirable or undesirable. 

Values have an ethical and moral dimension. 

Your values provide you an internal reference for what is good, beneficial, important, useful, beautiful, desirable and constructive. 

Values generate behaviour and influence the choices made by an individual. 

Values have a major influence on your behaviour and attitude in various situations. 

Examples of Values include HONESTY, LOYALTY, AMBITION, ALTRUISM, CLEANLINESS, CONFIDENCE, CONFORMITY, CREATIVITY, CURIOSITY, DARING, DECISIVENESS, DEPENDABILITY, DISCIPLINE, INDEPENDENCE, INDIVIDUALITY, OBEDIENCE, PATRIOTISM, PUNCTUALITY, SENSE OF HUMOR, SIMPLICITY, WEALTH etc 

(The list of values is endless – you can surf the internet to see lists of values – and – you may discover your own personal values by introspection) 

Values can be categorised into two types: 

1. INSTRUMENTAL VALUES 

and 

2. TERMINAL VALUES 

My article below elaborates on these two types of values... 

INSTRUMENTAL VALUES and TERMINAL VALUES

THE TWO TYPES OF VALUES 

Musings on Management Ethics 

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Values are of two types – in both the personal and organizational domains. 

The two types of values are:

1. INSTRUMENTAL VALUES

and 

2. TERMINAL VALUES

Let me explain a bit about these two types of values. 

INSTRUMENTAL VALUES

Instrumental Values are core values.

Instrumental Values are permanent in nature.

Instrumental Values comprise personal characteristics and character traits.

Instrumental Values refer to preferable modes of behaviour and include values like honesty, sincerity, ambition, independence, obedience, imaginativeness, courageousness, competitiveness – and also some negative traits too. 

Organisations also have Instrumental Values (which can be ascertained from the organizational culture).

Whether at personal level or organizational level – instrumental values are permanent in nature – and so – instrumental values are difficult to change. 

For example – the instrumental values of a Public Sector Unit (PSU) will differ from that of an Multi-National Corporation (MNC) – though both may be in the same business.

Since they are permanent in nature – Instrumental Values are difficult to change.

TERMINAL VALUES

In our personal lives – Terminal Values are those things that we work towards – or those things we think are most important – or things that we feel are most desirable. 

Terminal Values are desirable states of existence. 

Terminal Values include things like happiness, self respect, family security, recognition, freedom, inner harmony, comfortable life, professional excellence, etc

In a nutshell – Terminal Values signify the objectives of the life of a person – the ultimate things the person wants to achieve through his or her behaviour – the destination the person wants to reach in life. 

In contrast – Instrumental Values indicate the methods an individual would like to adopt for achieving his life’s aim – the path he would like to take to reach his destination.

This applies to organisations as well – and – organizations too exhibit Terminal Values. 

However – Terminal Values can be changed – and this change in Terminal Values can sometimes be seen – when there is a change of Top Management or CEO. 

CAN YOU CHANGE YOUR “VALUES”...? 

INSTRUMENTAL VALUES – NO 

TERMINAL VALUES – YES 

Read this Before you Apply for a Job or Select a Career

(or Before Recruiting a Candidate for a Job)

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES AND ORGANIZATION BEHAVIOUR

Organisational Values are the key to organisational behaviour. 

So – before you join an organization – you must ensure that there is no conflict in your personal Instrumental Values and the organization’s Instrumental Values 

Yes – there must be no conflict between the Employee’s and Employer’s Instrumental Values – since – Instrumental Values are difficult to change. 

Conversely – the organisation must consider this aspect while interviewing a prospective candidate for recruitment to avoid conflict of Instrumental Values.

However – any mismatch in Terminal Values can be corrected by suitable Induction Training – since Terminal Values can be inculcated or realigned or changed. 

For Example: 

Do you want to join the Defence Services (Armed Forces) – the Army, the Navy or the Air Force...? 

Each Armed Force has its own unique Military Values. 

You too have your own personal Values – “Instrumental Values and “Terminal Values. 

If there is conflict between your own Personal Instrumental Values and Military Instrumental Values – it is best for you to avoid a military career in the Armed Forces. 

However – any mismatch between your Terminal Values and organisational Terminal Values can be corrected during Training. (For example – punctuality can be inculcated). 

This “Values Paradigm” applies to relationships like Marriage too. 

“Terminal Value” mismatches between husband and wife can be smoothed out. 

But – “Instrumental Value” conflicts may cause marital discord and result in irretrievable breakdown of relationship and divorce. 

The Dating/Courtship period is a good time to discover the Values (Instrumental and Terminal) of your Partner and ascertain whether there are any conflict or mismatches in Values between you and your partner. 

If there are some mismatches in “Terminal Values” you can make mutual adjustments to reconcile them and envisage a harmonious relationship. 

However – if there are irretrievable conflicts in “Instrumental Values” – it is best to call off the marriage. 

Dear Reader – introspect – and discover your values – your instrumental values – and – your terminal values. 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. These are my personal views based on my personal experience. Please do your own due diligence while selecting a training philosophy.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

This is an abridged, upgraded and revised version of my lecture on VALUES written be me Vikram Karve more than 25 years ago in the early 1990s and posted online earlier a number of times in my various blogs including in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog in 2011 at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/12/instrumental-values-and-terminal-values.html and https://karve.wordpress.com/2012/11/22/instrumental-values-and-terminal-values-the-two-types-of-personal-and-organizational-values/ and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/06/types-of-values-instrumental-values-and.html and https://karvediat.blogspot.com/2018/02/values-instrumental-values-and-terminal.html etc

OLQ – “Officer Like Qualities” : What is “OLQ”...?

If you join the Defence Services – the Army, the Navy or Air Force – as an Officer – you will hear a term of Military Jargon being bandied about freely – OLQ – which is the acronym for OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES 

OLQ is a most nebulous term. 

What is the meaning of OLQ…? 

Is OLQ defined…? 

Or – is OLQ just Military Jargon or Nebulous Gobbledygook…? 

OLQ – OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES
Military Jargon or Nebulous Gobbledygook?
Musings of a Military Veteran
By
VIKRAM KARVE 

OLQ – Military Jargon or Nebulous Gobbledygook...?

If you join the Defence Services – the Army, the Navy or Air Force – as an Officer – you will hear a term of Military Jargon being bandied about freely – OLQ – which is the acronym for OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES

OLQ is a most nebulous term.

In my long service in the Navy – I asked many Officers to precisely define OLQ.

Most gave generic answers – but no one was able to precisely define OLQ – or clearly specify what exactly constituted OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES

Everyone had his own subjective concept of OLQ.

To me – OLQ seems a bit of gobbledygook.

OLQ means OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES.

So – by its very definition – OLQ pertains only to OFFICERS.

This means that Personnel Below Officers Rank (PBOR) like Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen are not supposed to have OLQ.

Maybe they are supposed to have SLQ (Soldier Like Qualities or Sailor Like Qualities) or ALQ (Airmen Like Qualities) et al

Does this mean that if you are an Officer – you automatically have OLQ.

Are some individuals born with OLQ.

Or is it vice versa – that you develop OLQ once you become an officer.

Some soldiers/sailors/airmen are promoted from the ranks to become officers.

Does this mean that till they were soldiers/sailors/airmen they did not have OLQ – and the moment they got promoted as officers – overnight they acquired OLQ?

It is all very confusing.

So – let us delve a bit deeper.

WHAT IS OLQ

What is OLQ...?

What are the “Officer Like Qualities” required in a Naval Officer...?

Do you want to know the answer to this question...?

It is simple.

Click the url link below and go to the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page of the Indian Navy Recruitment Website:

Now – have a look at Question No. 3

What kind of “Officer like Qualities” are required for commission in the Navy...?

Now click on the Question and read the answer provided:

The candidates who successfully pass the competitive examination conducted by the UPSC, are interviewed by the Services Selection Boards. Officer Like Qualities of a candidate are assessed during these interviews, which last for about 3 to 4 days. In broad terms, the ability of an individual to withstand physical and mental stress, leadership qualities, determination, fighting spirit, clarity of thought, expression, resolve and overall suitability is assessed during the course of the interview.

I am paraphrasing below the relevant extract of the above answer which defines OLQ or Officer Like Qualities:

In broad terms…Officer Like Qualities or OLQ…is the ability of an individual to withstand physical and mental stress, leadership qualities, determination, fighting spirit, clarity of thought, expression, resolve…

(Please note that even here – OLQ is not defined precisely – but the concept of OLQ is explained only in “broad terms”) 

Does OLQ focus more on PERSONALITY rather than CHARACTER...?

From the definition of OLQ given above – it appears that the focus is on “personality” rather than “character”.

It is surprising that core value-based inner qualities like truthfulness, trustworthiness, honesty, forthrightness and integrity are not considered “Officer Like Qualities”.

Is OLQ all about Personality...?

What about Character Traits like Ethics, Moral Values, Honesty and Integrity...?

Are these positive character traits not considered OLQ...?

Are these not being assessed by Services Selection Boards...?

If OLQ means having a good personality but excludes character traits – then:

Is it okay for an officer to have a good “personality” – but be morally corrupt...?

Is this the reason why so many scams, scandals and acts of moral turpitude are taking place in the defence services in which many senior officers have been alleged to be involved...? 

Should OLQ include “ETHICAL FITNESS”...?

Do you not feel that sound immaculate character attributes and unblemished ethical qualities are an essential part of OLQ...?

Are these moral qualities of character not more important than the personality traits mentioned in the definition of OLQ given in the Navy Recruitment Website...?

What is your view?

Please tell us.

Do you feel that Ethics, Moral Values, Honesty and Integrity are not essential “Officer Like Qualities”...?

Do you think that an officer need not be truthful, trustworthy, honest and forthright under all circumstances?

Do you feel that concepts like “code of conduct” and “honour code” are outdated ideas of the past and have no relevance in the current environment?

Or are you of the view that – in today’s modern world – to succeed in the defence services – an officer needs to be “street smart” rather than straightforward...?

Does OLQ mean “STREET SMARTNESS” ?

Does OLQ mean “street smartness” ?

“Street Smartness” is the shrewd ability of how to survive or succeed in any situation using any means.

“Street Smartness” requires you to “Morally Pliable” 

Or – to use an euphemism – to be “Street Smart” – you must have have “Tact”.

So – does OLQ boil down to outwardly having an “Officer-like personality” – and inwardly being “Street Smart”...?

Is this how we want our Army, Navy and Air Force officers to be...?

Do “Character Attributes” like Ethics, Moral Values, Honesty and Integrity have no place in OLQ...?

Do we want “tactful street-smart officers” who shine outside but are hollow inside...?

DO SERVICES SELECTION BOARDS (SSB) ASSESS “ETHICAL FITNESS” ?

If one goes by the answer given in the Navy Recruitment Website which lists the “Officer Like Qualities” which are assessed during the Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview – it seems that officer candidates are not being assessed for “Ethical Fitness”.

When you select an Officer for the Defence Services:

You assess intellectual fitness (UPSC Examination – NDA/CDSE/Naval Academy).

You assess physical fitness (SSB).

You assess “psychological” fitness (SSB).

You assess medical fitness (Military Hospital).

But do you assess Ethical Fitness...?

Why does OLQ not include “Character Attributes” like Ethics, Moral Values, Honesty and Integrity?

Why is “Ethical Fitness” not being assessed by SSBs...?

Is “Ethical Fitness” not a part of OLQ...?

Do we want Military Officers who are “Ethically Unfit”...?

It all depends on the moot question:

What is OLQ ?

I hope some military veteran will enlighten us on this moot point.

What is the meaning of OLQ...?

Do “Officer Like Qualities” only comprise personality attributes and not character traits...? 

VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:
All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:
No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.
Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

The above post is an updated version of my post WHAT IS OLQ - THE DEFINITION OF OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES posted by me on this blog Academic and Creative Writing Journal on Saturday, July 6, 2013 at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/07/what-is-olq-definition-of-officer-like.html and revised/reposted at url: https://www.quora.com/profile/Vikram-Karve/Writing-by-VIKRAM-KARVE/MILITARY-OFFICER-LIKE-QUALITIES-OLQ and https://www.quora.com/profile/Vikram-Karve/Writing-by-VIKRAM-KARVE/OLQ-Officer-Like-Qualities-a-most-Nebulous-Term-Military-Jargon-or-Gobbledygook and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2018/05/olq-officer-like-qualities_9.html  and  https://karve.wordpress.com/2018/05/08/olq-officer-like-qualities-military-jargon-or-nebulous-gobbledygook/ etc 

Humor in Uniform – Reputation Management

I had the good fortune of participating in the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of my Navy alma mater INS Valsura Jamnagar on 14/15 December 2017. 

During my interactions with young Naval Officers and their good ladies – amused at the way I was talking in a frank manner – without the usual “pretence” of staidness that Veterans of my age put on – a Navy Wife asked me whether I really had the same “candid personality” inside – that I projected outside. 

Maybe this story – which happened during my Navy Days – when I was serving in the prestigious premier Naval Dockyard at Mumbai – will answer her question...

SPOKEN REPUTATION
Unforgettable Characters I Met in the Navy
A Spoof
By
VIKRAM KARVE

There is a saying in the Navy: 

“If you want to know the true character of an officer – ask his coursemates...”

Seniors will have one view of an officer. 

Juniors will have another view. 

But – it is his peers who will know the officer inside-out – especially his coursemates – who have seen the officer from close quarters from the Training Academy Days. 

Yes – you cannot put up a facade before your own coursemates. 

Here is a story of an unforgettable character I met in the Navy – an ambitious coursemate of mine.


MY AMBITIOUS COURSEMATE

Long ago – at a meeting – where a lot of senior officers were present – I profusely praised a fellow Navy Officer – who was a coursemate of mine.

I believed in the dictum: 

“Praise in Public and Criticize in Private...”

And – of course – I wanted to do my coursemate a good turn.

So – I praised my coursemate lavishly in front of everyone. 

Yes – I really “praised” my coursemate generously – highlighting all his good qualities. 

After the meeting – my coursemate came to my office.

I thought my coursemate had come to thank me for the generous way in which I had praised him in front of everyone – and – I expected him to utter some words of gratitude.

Instead – my coursemate said to me: 

“I want to make one sincere request to you...”

I said to him: 

“You know that I will do anything for you. After all – you are my dear friend and a coursemate. Go ahead – tell me – what can I do for you...?” 

My coursemate pleaded with me:

“In future – please do not “praise” me like you did today – especially in front of senior officers...” 

I was surprised – so I asked my coursemate: 

“Why shouldn’t I “praise” you..? 

I am your well-wisher....”

My coursemate looked at me – and he said to me: 

“I know that you are my “well-wisher”. 

But unfortunately – you have a most terrible reputation with most senior officers. 

So – if you “praise” me – it may have the opposite effect...”

EPILOGUE

My coursemate “returned the favour” many years later.

By nature – I am an honest, straightforward and outspoken person.

Well – as far as senior officers were concerned – my being “honest” was fine.

My “straightforwardness” was tolerated.

But – my “outspokenness” had earned me a reputation of being a tactless, abrasive officer. 

My seniors considered me a “difficult” officer to deal with – since I was not “morally pliable” – and worse – I candidly expressed my views in a blunt and forthright manner.

Once – during a meeting – in my usual style – I expressed my candid views in my usual blunt forthright manner.

My coursemate was also present. 

Yes – the very same coursemate who I had lavishly praised earlier – and who had requested me not to praise him. 

After the meeting – I overheard a senior officer remark to my coursemate about me.

“Your coursemate really calls a spade a spade...” the senior officer said – describing me to my coursemate.

In response – my coursemate “praised” me with these “flattering” words: 

“Sir – he does not call a spade a spade – he calls a spade a bulldozer...” 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All Stories in this Blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

Abridged and Revised Version of My Story Earlier Posted by me Vikram Karve at 5/01/2014 12:45:00 AM in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/05/humor-in-uniform-height-of-career.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/01/humor-in-uniform-spoken-reputation.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/08/humor-in-uniform-praise-in-public-and.html etc