1.

7 Value System:

Value system is a set of beliefs and principles which are followed by a society.
It is like a navigation system which enables the completion of a purposeful journey.
A well defined value system becomes code of conduct. It varies according to
perception of a society. As a member of a society, one can follow personal value
system as well as community value system. The basic characteristic of a value
system is that it should holistic in nature. Further, depending on the heritage and
culture, different nations have different value system. At times, it is seen that value
systems oppose each other, giving rise to conflict.

There are different basis for classification of value system. Some of them are as
follows:

Singularstic and Pluralistic Such as Personal value system, Societal

Value System.
Based on regions and territories- Indian Value System, Chinese Value
System, American Value System etc.
Based on religion- Hindu Value System, Muslim Value System, Christian
Value Systems
Based on practitioners- Confuciousian Value System, Gandhian Value
System etc.
Based on structures Corporate Value System, Organisation value System
etc.

Value systems have been widely used by social scientists to explain different
behavioural patterns. Once a value is inculcated, it becomes part of the value-
system in which each value is placed in order of importance and priority with
respect to others values. The value-system becomes an instrument for use in
decision making. Situations in life require decision which seems to be quite difficult
to take. It is the choice of a particular value out of the value system which an
individual or an organization has to make in such a moment. The value system
depends upon the attitude and behavior of its followers. In the societal value
system, one should not look at only one value but multiple number of values which
means that all the aspects of the societal norms and behavior are taken into
consideration.

The value system may be defined as a coherent set of values adopted and/or
evolved by a person, organisation or society as a standard to guide its behavior for
purposeful existence. A well defined value system becomes a moral code. The value
system helps oneself to discriminate between right and wrong. It provides a certain
brand to an individual, and builds trust around people. Strong adherence to value
system becomes an inspiring source of strength. People in this world live in different
nations. They think and behave in different manner depending upon the
geographical, climatical and societal conditions. It is therefore interesting to know
about the value system of some of the major countries located in different parts of
the globe with their respective culture.

1.7.1 Indian value System:

Indian value system is the oldest among all other value systems of the world.
It dates back to about 5000 years ago and is derived from scriptures known as
Vedas. The term Veda refers to knowledge and wisdom which is necessary for self
realization. It manifests the language of God. Indian value system derives its core
values from Vedas. The great sage Maharshi Patanjali strengthened the system by
his Yog Sutras. Thus Indian value system is based on five fundamental values
namely Truthfulness (Satya), non-violence (Ahimsa), non-stealing (Asteya),
chastity (Bramhacharya) and nonpossessiveness (Aparigraha). These values are
supposed to be nurtured from the tender age and practiced lifelong. Along with the
set of the five fundamental values the value system also includes set of four values
which are considered to be of rudimentary nature namely - cleanliness, compassion,
courage and kindliness. These two set of values become the back bone of ancient
Indian value system.

Since then traditionally, Indians have been practicing this value system resulting
into spirituality, peaceful co-existence, respect to elders, reverence to nature,
strong family bonds, hospitality and love for mankind. History shows that there has
been continuous influx of people to India from different parts of the world,
sometimes in the form of knowledge seekers and at others as invaders to become
rulers. The tenacity of Indian culture absorbed all of them.

Today India is a multi-religional and multi-lingual country following principles of

secularism, peaceful co-existence with vibrant democracy and respect for human
divinity. With the advent of the industrial era in the country after its independence,
the values such as scientific temper, competitiveness, spirit of enquiry, team
working have been developing. This transition has resulted in the placement of India
amongst the top ranking nations of the world. Recently, it has been realized that the
values enshrined in Patanjali yoga-sutras if practiced by people of India and other
countries will enable them to live healthily and happily. This seems quite possible
because 175 countries of the world have recognized yoga as an effective
instrument for making a healthy body-mind-system.

Though, perhaps the best value system exists in India, but the impact of
materialism, consumerism and individualism due to globalization has resulted in
cutthroat completion amongst the people in India. Millions of them are dissatisfied
and leading the life of deprivation.

1.7.2 American Value System

America is a pluralistic society and consists of many different groups of

people representing different social and political ideologies. Its value system is
based on macro level culture. The core values that Americans uphold are taught to
children in schools as lessons of morality and signs of good character. These values
are as follows:

Individualism Americans cherish the ideal that an individual can rise from the
lowest to the highest level in the society by ones own effort. Thus they believe in
continuous persistence of an individual.

Emphasis on Success To achieve success in life is the prime objective. This may be
outdoing others. The success is measured by attainment of wealth, power and
prestige.

Activity for work and efficiency- It is believed that engagement in work makes the
people to progress and become proficient. They believe in practical approach rather
than the emotional.

Materialism- Americans believe in achieving high level of comfort through nutrition,

medical care, housing, gadgets, playthings and romance. To achieve the material
comfort they have passion for science and technology. They believe in controlling
nature for the benefit of mankind.

Freedom and Democracy Americans emphasize on personal freedom and

democratic rights of people to express an opinion with rule of majority. However,
their previous history shows racism and feeling of superiority over others.

Directness, openness and honesty Americans believe in direct approach to deliver

information with openness and honesty, howsoever unpleasant if may be.

1.7.3 Chinese Value System:

China has a long tradition of collectivism. The individual values are associated with
the group one belongs to. it is generally considered as a great virtue to sacrifice
self-interest for the good of community. The core values of Chinese culture are
based on the concept of Haxie(Harmony) in community which includes principles
of Tai Chi Philosophy . The philosophy says Universe unites diversity which
means that there exists many differences in the universe, nature and society.
However, the differences do not necessarily result in contradiction, thereby
maintaining harmony (Haxie). According to Tai Chi philosophy, unification of
diversity is the basis for generation of new things. Confucius, the great Chinese
thinker has said The gentleman aims at harmony and not at the uniformity.
Further, the Chinese value system respects the past specially the ancestors.

Chinese traditional culture consists of wide range of human values based on

Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. Out of these three, Confucianism has been
established from a long time and is being followed to some extent even today. The
traditional Chinese values include harmony, benevolence, righteousness, courtesy,
wisdom, honesty and face-saving. In the Chinese value system, family unit has
precedence over its individual members. It is assumed that the family as a whole
will thrive and prosper only if harmony prevails among its members. The obedience
and self restraint is always expected from the children.

Since the Chinese economy became market oriented, Chinese values have been
changing. Materialism, money worship and arrogance are now common in China.

1.7.4 Comparison between American and Chinese value system:

The American values such as freedom, democracy , rule of law , human rights
equality, justice etc are based on the belief that human nature is inherently evil. The
American value system is the outcome of the efforts for protecting the evils. For
example, freedom of speech, human rights, mutual respect, and self- esteem were
established to protect the abuse of power. Influenced by the Christian religion, they
believe that humans are fundamentally not virtuous. They believe that men are
separate from nature, and can conquer nature for development; they uphold
individualism and advocate individual liberty and privacy. Their values are less
stable because it is believed that any change will create an opportunity for
development. More attention is paid on the present and the future. The horizontal
dimension of inter personal relationships (i.e. with peers and co-workers) are valued
more and development of qualities for successfully dealing with them is focused.

The Chinese value system seeks harmony between human and nature, which
results in a passive acceptance of fate. It nurtures the emotions and inner feelings,
and emphasizes vertical dimensions of interpersonal relationships (i.e. relationship
with supervisor and elders). The Chinese culture through its value system goes in
favour of discharge of duties towards family, society and state keeping individual
personality aside. It respects past tradition and kinship ties. However, in the context
of contemporary world scenario, the Chinese value system seems to be in conflict
with reality. For example, if the harmony between people and nature is so highly
valued, why is china among the countries with most environmental problems?

A Chinese scholar Pan in 1994 conducted a study to examine Chinese and American
perception of human value system. He made a survey to assess the extent to which
people hold on to values in both China and United States. Table 1.1 shows the
results of survey in five key areas representing tradition, human nature, behaviour,
family, and society. The value items and their relative percentage contribution in the
value system in America and China are seen in the table.

Table 1.1

Value perception between China and America

SN Value Items China United States

1 Proud of respect for 55% 83%
tradition
2 Human Nature is benign 31% 80%
3 Proud of Tolerance, 47% 94%
propriety, and deference
4 Proud of a house full of 21% 54%
children
5 Proud of Loyalty to state 77% 92%

Japanese Value System:

The name of Japan is said to be derived from ancient Chinese word Zippon
which means The origin of the Sun. Despite the proximity and cultural connection
with China, Japan has developed its own culture over a long period. The Japanese
value system is based on Sun. The nine cultural values enshrined in Japanese value
system are based on nine planets around the Sun that are considered to be deities.
The Sun and the nine planets symbolize unity and harmony. The fundamental
assumption on which their value system is based is that Although people are
different individuals, but they contribute to oneness. Thus Japan has
collectivism and group-oriented culture.

Japanese children are made to learn that the fulfillment comes from close
association with others and are made to recognize that they are part of an
interdependent society. In interpersonal relations, competition and confrontation is
avoided. Self is seen as defined through its interaction with others and not merely
through force of individual personality. However, the influence of Confucianism is
also seen on the value system of Japan. Thus people performing their social role
believe in harmony between heaven, nature and human society. A most often
observed Japanese phrase is that When persons are cultivated, the families
are regulated, when the families are regulated, the States are rightly
governed and when the States are rightly governed, the whole kingdom
becomes tranquil and happy. Japanese respect hierarchy. Their status is based
on specific relationship with individuals. Relative status forms the social
organizations but the concept of self is not negated. The sincerity is considered as
one of the top most value and every individual strives for it. The self-discipline and
attitude towards perfection is nurtured in people from the early childhood. Japanese
individuals imbibe a strong sense of self-sacrifices and dedication for community.

Some of the core values of Japan are as follows

Selflessness
Respect for elders
Self-discipline
Co-operation
Zest for excellence
Courtesy

Japanese values are reflected in phrases used in daily interactions. The most
versatile phrase is Onegai shimasu which means I sincerely request. Courtesy is
the pivot of interpersonal communication that builds harmonious relationships with
other people. Bowing is the most important posture representing humility. In
conclusion it may be said that Japanese value system is based on collectivism,
humility, respectfulness and indirectedness.