Reflect on the concept map that you created in
the previous exercise and consider the Dan Gilbert video from module one.
Discuss your protected values and how far you are willing to go to support
those values. Explore the level of protection associated with each of your
major values identified in the concept map and detail your thoughts on each.
Finally, discuss how those protected values would influence your
decision-making.
Protected values are those that offer moral values
and reasoning. As the Wharton text states “Values are distinct from preferences,
utility, desires and attitudes. The distinction are by no means universally
agreed upon but we propose some distinguishing characteristics, in hopes of
better clarifying what we mean by value.” Values are intended to be explicit
and reflective to the holder and are imperative as they offer the necessary
judgments it may take to suggest valuable and favorable outcomes. While preference
sometimes goes hand in hand with values, it also presents an inconsistency and
contradiction to the true and protected values some people hold.
The values that are most important
to me are my family, health and job. While these values may seem simple to
some, in my personal opinion these three things assist with creating a
foundation for my present and the future of my family. While values such as
healthcare and economical reform might be important to others, I believe that
without a clear set foundation to begin with, there would be no room for values
such as these. Therefore, I am willing to do everything I can to continue to
create and build a foundation for myself and my family to ensure that our
futures are set on a path that is more than likely to produce favorable valuable
outcomes.
Family is a protected value of mine
as it is my sole reason for living. I do my best to make decisions that will
enhance the positive experiences my family encounters and try to present outcomes
to my husband and daughter that will fall in their favor. Family is the glue
that holds everything together and in turn should be treated in such a manner
that offers the most minute of details to be considered. If family was not on
my list of protected values I feel as though I would not have a solid
foundation to work off of that would keep me motivated to continue to better myself
and the choices that I make on a daily basis. I must admit I am a little over
protective when it comes to my family as I feel an instinct to care for and nurture
them as best as I can for as long as I am able to.
Health is also a protected value of
mine as good health allows for us to function properly and prevent poor health
and disease. Things as simple as an improper diet and an unhealthy lifestyle
can cause issues such as mental stress which can lead to feelings of depression
or anxiety. The benefits of a healthy lifestyle include energy, happiness, and
living free of any disorders that may cause you to feel otherwise. Good health
helps you to stay motivated and active and allows you to view life’s
perspectives in more of a positive manner. Before my daughter I wasn’t too
concerned with living a healthy lifestyle however, after her birth I was
instantly hit with the realization that my health was one of the most important
things I needed to concentrate on as I wanted to be around long enough to see
her grow into being her own woman.
Work is my final protected value and
the reason is because it allows an outlet for me to be creative and think
outside the box. My job offers me the ability to be challenged and hard working
and to grow and learn every day I am there. While work presents opportunities
for advancement and career development, it also presents the ability for my
family and I to live the lives we do. My husband and I work very hard not just
to tap into our creative outlets, but it also assist us in a variety of
financial means. Our jobs help us to keep a roof over our family’s head, put
food in our stomachs, but more importantly offers our daughter a place of
sanctuary and contentment. A place she knows will always be a safe haven for
her. With the economy the way it is, we are lucky to hold such wonderful jobs
with an amazing university and don’t take it for granted as there are many
others in the world who are struggling with the very things we hold sacred to
our hearts.
My protected values are dear to my
heart and while simple they allow me to make decisions that I know will be in
the best interest of both me and my family. As the Wharton text states “when
faced with a particular decision, we are called upon to figure out what general
values are implicated and then weigh these values to maximize utility. This
process is difficult when the implicated values are emotional or if two or more
values conflict in a way that is not easily resolved.” As I hold my protected
values close to me it is imperative that the decisions I make are consistent
and relative to the outcomes that will have a direct affect on those closest to
me. Ensuring that tradeoffs are not proposed into my decision making will allow
me to make decisions that do not compromise my beliefs or those of the ones I
love.
Cassandra
R.
References
Hoch,
S. J., & Kunreuther, H. C. (2005). Wharton on making decisions. (1st
edition.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc.
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