What Do You Do If Your Personal Values Are in Conflict with Organizational/interpersonal Business Protocols?

Before diving into “what would I do” I feel that I must clarify what the definition of personal values and organizational/interpersonal protocols. According to the on-line Merriam-Webster dictionary (n.d.) the definition of value is “relative worth, utility, or importance. Dr. Pace (2006) somewhat points in this direction when he states that values really come down to what you belief in and that these beliefs are the one that guide us through life in determining what’s right and what’s wrong (p. 4). Some examples of personal values based on ones experiences in happiness, pride and accomplishment might be: Accountability, Accuracy, Achievement, Contribution, Control, Family-Orientated, Fun, Order, and Patriotism (“What are your values?” n.d.). These are just some of values that could be used by an individual defining one’s values.

Some organizations might too have a set of values that are used to set a standard for those who work for them and to display to their customers what they stand for. One organization that comes to mind is the U.S. Navy. The Navy’s steadfast values of Honor, Courage and Commitment has been the backbone of what this organization has cherished as its values since its founding in 1776 by the Continental Congress. Businessdictionary.com (n.d.) defines organizational/interpersonal protocol as “unwritten rules or guidelines that are peculiar to every culture or organization, and are supposed to be observed by all parties in the conduct of business, entertaining, negotiating, politics, etc.” This is somewhat different then how it is referred to by Dr. Pace (2006); he states that “protocol is a code of conduct that determines, among other things, how to address people” (p. 68).

The country that we live in is made up of a vast melting pot, or multiculturalism, of different races, cultures, and religions. This merging and blending of races, religions, people and cultures brings to the table