Table 1.
Basic human values and their conceptual definitions.
| Value | Conceptual definitions in terms of motivational goals |
|---|---|
| Self-direction—thought | Freedom to cultivate one’s own ideas and abilities |
| Self-direction—action | Freedom to determine one’s own actions |
| Stimulation | Excitement, novelty, and change |
| Hedonism | Pleasure and sensuous gratification |
| Achievement | Success according to social standards |
| Power—dominance | Power through exercising control over people |
| Power—resources | Power through control of material and social resources |
| Face | Security and power through maintaining one’s public image and avoiding humiliation |
| Security—personal | Safety in one’s immediate environment |
| Security—societal | Safety and stability in the wider society |
| Tradition | Maintaining and preserving cultural, family, or religious traditions |
| Conformity—rules | Compliance with rules, laws, and formal obligations |
| Conformity—interpersonal | Avoidance of upsetting or harming other people |
| Humility | Recognizing one’s insignificance in the larger scheme of things |
| Benevolence—dependability | Being a reliable and trustworthy member of the group |
| Benevolence—caring | Devotion to the welfare of in-group members |
| Universalism—concern | Commitment to equality, justice, and protection for all people |
| Universalism—nature | Preservation of natural environment |
| Universalism—tolerance | Acceptance and understanding of those who are different from oneself |
Adapted with permission from Schwartz et al. (2012). Copyright 2012 by the American Psychological Association.