Abstract

The usage of value statements by companies has become a common practice.Thesevalue statements are aimed at providing a context or implicit framework to guidebehaviors.Aclear set of values provides exact standards against which corporatebehaviors can be judged for their appropriateness.The purpose of this study is toexplore what values are espoused by organizations through these statements andare these values given only to provide business success related context or beyond toencompass other ‘existentialist’concerns. The espousal of values assumes greatersignificance in the light of various corporate misdemeanors and scandals. The study finds four types of espoused values: the outcome values, performancevalues, external values and spiritual values. One most striking outcome of thepareto analysis is the supremacy of customer satisfaction, delight or value as themost commonly valueincorporated by companies across all the categories.Although the external and spiritual values considered in this study are notcommonly cited in the value statements, these are beginning to enter in thecorporate consciousness.

Authors and Affiliations