Values and Institutions
Institutions are organizations that have established rules for what is allowed and expected behavior. They include schools, workplaces, governments, businesses, families, religious groups, and social clubs. Personal values are beliefs about what is right and wrong, good and bad, desirable and undesirable. Reconciling one's personal values with institutional demands can be difficult because they may conflict with each other. To understand how this reconciliation process works, it is important to examine the mechanisms involved in managing this tension.
Mechanisms of Reconciliation
One mechanism is accommodation, where an individual adjusts their behavior to meet the demands of the institution without challenging its norms.
A student who believes in free speech might decide to censor themselves when writing essays for a school assignment. Another mechanism is assimilation, where an individual adopts the institution's values and practices. This could involve joining a group that has similar beliefs or participating in activities that reinforce those values. Thirdly, there is resistance, which involves actively opposing the institution's demands. An example would be a political activist protesting government policies they find unjust.
Integration involves finding common ground between the individual's values and the institution's expectations. A nurse could advocate for patient-centered care while still following hospital protocols. These mechanisms help individuals navigate the complex interplay between personal values and institutional pressures.
The ability to reconcile personal values with institutional demands requires careful thought and consideration. By understanding these four mechanisms, individuals can choose the best approach for their particular situation. Accommodation, assimilation, resistance, and integration all have their place in navigating this tension.
Finding a balance between one's own values and institutional demands requires a willingness to engage in dialogue and compromise.
What mechanisms facilitate reconciliation of personal values with institutional demands?
Reconciling one's personal values with institutional demands can be challenging, but there are several mechanisms that individuals can employ to make this process easier. One such mechanism is understanding the context in which they find themselves, including the history, culture, and social norms of their workplace or organization. This involves taking the time to learn about the beliefs, attitudes, and practices of those around them, as well as considering how these may have changed over time.