Perhaps the biggest challenge in the values realm is the lack of data. The best single source, as mentioned in the text, is the World Values Survey online database. Thank goodness for its global longitudinal data. It does, however, present a few challenges. First is it that it’s a bit difficult to access and interpret, unless you are a highly skilled researcher. Second, the initial choice of values, while surely sensible at the time and giving an adequate picture of the changes, comes up a bit short in term of its span in comparison to the New Dimensions Values Inventory (NDVI). The NDVI has been adding values to the World Values Survey list over the years as research suggested the emergence of new values, though lacking the empirical backing.
Spiral Dynamics claims data from its assessment instrument assessment, but it is not publicly accessible. Other systems have assessment instruments, but as mentioned, they lack a developmental view and are also not publicly available. It might be possible at some point in time to retrospectively interpret this data in a way that is compatible with the ConsumerShift developmental view.
Clearly, there is a data problem. An obvious and planned follow-on to the ConsumerShift work is to develop that data, which suggests the need for a survey assessment instrument. My work over the years has enabled me to experience a wide range of assessment instruments, testing for a wide range of things from personality to thinking style to leadership style and so on. Some characteristics that I have found useful that I’d like to bring to what is likely to be called the New Dimensions Values Assessment.
- It should be electronic/available online
- It should not much more than 15 minutes to complete
- It should produce a list that is not too long – includes some sort of prioritization mechanism
In doing the ConsumerShift research, I liked Sidney Simon’s suggested approach to identifying core values[1]. His recommended approach is to identify “core” values from a longer list, by applying three tests:
- do they say they have it?
- do they feel strongly about it?
- and have they acted on it?[i]
I am working with colleagues to get the assessment constructed and validated properly. So please don’t publicly post this “sneak preview.” Here is the NDVA (New Dimensions Values Assesssment).
Email the results to ahines@uh.edu to receive your “core values.”
Feedback Welcome
Being a crude version one, my colleagues and I are willing to entertain your suggested improvements. Email them to Andy Hines, ahines@uh.edu.
[1] Simon, S., Howe, L., & Kirschenbaum, H. (1972). Values Clarification: A Practical, Action-Directed Workbook. NY: Warner Books, 10.
