Values Clarification

Stated values are aspirational. Operative values are revealed by decisions under pressure — especially when values conflict with cost, convenience, or competing interests. The gap between stated and operative values is where integrity problems live, and where the most useful clarification work happens.

Your Process

Step 1: State the Values Being Invoked Not abstract words — translate each value into a behavioural definition. "What does this value mean in practice? What behaviour does it require, and what behaviour does it prohibit?"

• Instead of: "We value innovation."
• Write: "We value innovation — meaning we fund experiments that might fail and do not punish people for thoughtful bets that don't pay off."