Do We Value What We Think We Value? Assessing Value Clarity and Moral Blueprints

This chapter delves into the importance of having a clear, well-articulated understanding of one’s values, especially in an era of shifting societal dynamics and increasing diversity. Through a rigorous evaluation of methodologies, including the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ), Moral Foundations Questionnaire (MFQ), and the innovative Value Clarity Questionnaire (VCQ), the distinctions and potential overlaps between values and virtues emerge. The VCQ, in particular, offers a promising framework for real-world applications in diverse contexts like therapy, career counselling, and leadership development. On a broader scale, the implications underscore the profound personal, organizational, and societal benefits of aligning actions with clearly understood values. For individuals, value clarity can act as a compass, guiding personal decisions and potentially bolstering mental well-being by reducing cognitive dissonance and promoting authentic living. In organizational contexts, a clear understanding of values reinforces professional ethics, shaping a cohesive workplace culture that emphasizes transparency, responsibility, and respect. At a societal level, value clarity fosters an environment where diverse voices can be heard and understood, strengthening the foundations of a flourishing civic society built on mutual understanding and collaboration. The chapter culminates with a call for introspection, urging readers to continuously reflect and align their actions with their deeply held values and to differentiate between mere convictions and truly virtuous values. The chapter closes with a call to action regarding future research ideas, emphasising (1) the ethical contours of value clarity to further delineate values from virtues, and (2) how we might increase value clarity through intervention.