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A human value is the "desirable" that influences the selection of our actions (Williams, 2000). "Values-in-use"-are those values that actually influence our decisions and actions, as opposed to values that are "espoused" but do not influence choices of action (Argyris & Schön, 1996). We focus on those human values that lead to decisions and actions that influence sustainability.
Changing Values
Changes in values-in-use can be seen in our schools, businesses and all levels of government. For example, a value-in-use that has changed over time is evident in the statement, "Cheating is okay if you don't get caught" (Whitley, 1998). This "desirable" is self-serving and displaces the old "desirable" value of integrity.
Historically, we as a nation make claim to specific human values, such as honesty, hard work and the Golden Rule. Also, our nation embraces democracy and democratic principles. Today's businesses, universities, governments and religious congregations proclaim adherence to these historic values.
Yet, these values are no longer dominant in many institutions. They may be espoused, but they do not influence behaviors, as evidenced by the recent spate of scandals in corporate and public life. Instead, a new set of values-in-use has been gaining strength, and is now embedded in many parts of our society, especially business. We believe these values will hinder efforts toward sustainability. Such values and their consequences are readily seen in some major corporations. And, because of the dominance of business in society, the role it plays in re-establishing sustaining values may determine the fate of human civilization (Speth, 2008).
Sustainability: Reversing Underlying Forces
Sustainability has come to mean many different things and has, in part, become synonymous with the term, "green." To the extent that "green" focuses primarily on the natural environment and on short-term efforts, it falls short of addressing the larger scope of sustainability concerns. "Sustainability," as we use it, is captured in the more holistic, longer-term perspective of the Brundtland Commission Report in which sustainable development "meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (Report of the Brundtland Commission, 1987). Sustainability takes into account societal, as well as environmental issues, and views these as highly interdependent.
Many experts claim the time is fast approaching when downward...