Values are believed to be hereditary and genetically determined but some of them are driven by environmental factors which are as follows;
- Family – Family is the prime and most important source of obtaining values. Every child learns some values from his family since his childhood and retains those values in his mind throughout his life. The ways the parents nurture, educate and raise their child shape his personality and inculcate values in him.
- Society – After family, society also plays a major role developing value system of an individual. Every child learn basic manners and discipline from the school. Besides schools and colleges, other groups of society such as religious groups, economic and political groups to which an individual belongs also affect value system of an individual.
- Personal factors – Personal characteristics like intelligence, ability, appearance and education level of a person determines his value system very strongly. For example, an intelligent and educated person will understand and learn the social and work related values relatively faster than the uneducated person.
- Culture – Cultural factors which influence value system of an individual include norms, beliefs and other behaviour patterns which are preferred and acceptable by the society. These values are often carried in rituals, customs or narratives that are often repeated and highly resistant to change because they are seen as absolute.
- Religion – Religion is comprised of set of values and traditions which guide routine behaviour and decision making of an individual. Religious values help people determine what is good or what is bad.
- Life experiences – Man learns most from his own experiences and sometimes from experiences of others too. The values which an individual learns from own experiences of life are relatively long lasting and difficult to change.
- Role demands – Role demand refers to the behaviour which is associated with the particular position or role profile in an organisation. Every individual plays multiple roles in his life. The problem occurs when there is a role conflict. In such case, individuals quickly learn the value system prevailing in the organisation so that they may survive and progress in the same organisation.
- Constitution – Almost, all the existing constitutions of various countries highlight the values of democracy, equality and world peace. The values enshrined in the Constitution of India are stated in its Preamble are Justice, Liberty, Equality of status and opportunity and Fraternity. Herein, justice occupies the first place, followed by liberty, equality.
