Values revolve around morality. The positive, desirable qualities of society are called values. Values are the “approved desires and goals that have become internalized through conditioning, learning, or socialization that has become subjective preferences, standards, and aspirations” (Mukerjee 1949). Values can be different for people, organisations and societies. The United States Army operates in the same way as every other institution. These core values include integrity, loyalty and respect. These values reflect U.S. army operations. Both the Army and Army need these values. These values are vital both within and outside the Army. These values will be discussed in this essay.
Organizations expect and demand loyalty from employees. Loyalty can be defined as a commitment to the objects in question (Kleinig 2017. The U.S. Army is in this example. According to the Army, its members should be ready to pledge their loyalty to both the U.S. Constitution (Ross 2017) and to the Army. Army believe that loyalty should be a uniting principle for soldiers (Rose 2017). Loyalty motivates soldiers to achieve their highest potential while serving. They are more productive and it makes their job easier. It is crucial to be loyal even after you leave the Army. Loyalty helps you build trust and strengthen your relationships. It also facilitates collaboration. The Army’s duty is an important part of its mission. Loyalty is closely linked to duty. Duty can be defined as the “obligations that one has in virtue of filling some role, whether official or not” (Zimmerman, 2013). Army soldiers must obey their orders and fulfill their obligations. The Army expects soldiers to show loyalty. It is expected that soldiers will always work in the Army’s best interest. Particularly important for soldiers in group settings. It is expected that soldiers will prioritize the needs of their unit above their own. You can develop a sense of duty to make sure you take responsibility for all your actions. The responsibility of entrepreneurs is to see that their business succeeds. A person can make errors and the business may not succeed. People who are honest and willing to learn from mistakes will be able to accept them.
Respect is another essential value soldiers need to possess. Respect refers to treating others the way that you would wish to be treated. Respect is quite vital when functioning as a collective (Rogers & Ashforth, 2014). Respect is essential for maintaining strong relationships and improving the well-being. They are one entity. Respect must be shown to each other in order for them both to achieve their best. This doesn’t even matter if your in the military. For people to work together in business, mutual respect is vital. This value must be maintained even when there is conflict. It helps to maintain business relationships. Next is selfless service. Selfless service means putting “the welfare of a nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own” (U.S. Army, n.d). It is an expression of one’s love for their country and team. It is a person who gives of themselves without expecting recognition or reward (Singh 2020). You must be willing to share a little more. This makes the organization so unique. Businesses can show selflessness and help one another, even when they’re competing. It leads to collaborations. It is more common for employees to be happier at work if their leaders show kindness and compassion. Happy employees work harder.
A officer should have integrity at the highest levels. He must do right by his colleagues. Integrity “stands for complying in an exemplary way with specific moral standards” (Luijk, 2004, p. 39). Integrity can only be achieved when others trust you. Trust is crucial for any group when executing a mission. Trust is key to success in any business. Customers must believe in you and keep their promises. If they fail to do so, customers may lose faith in you. Another fundamental military value is personal courage. Kamath 2017, 2017. This ability is to act without fear. The military refers to this as taking action even when safety may be in jeopardy. Courage is important because it allows people to make tough decisions even when they’re not serving in the military. Even if their businesses do not succeed, entrepreneurs must show the willingness to work hard for success. Honourable soldiers should uphold the ultimate value of honour. It is an honorable reputation which deserves admiration and respect (McKay 2012). This is about adhering to these six principles in all you do. The highest honor you could receive as a soldier is the Medal of Honour (U.S Army), n.d. In business, there are always deals and promises. All parties must be able and willing to honor their commitments, even when things don’t go according to plan. Businesses can only thrive if everyone is involved.