What are values generally defined as?

Values are generally defined as beliefs in which a person has emotional investment. This definition captures the essence of values as being more than just abstract concepts or societal norms; they are deeply held beliefs that influence an individual’s attitudes, behaviors, and decisions. Values often guide personal and professional conduct, informing what one considers right or wrong, important or trivial, and it is the emotional investment that makes them significant in a person's life.

The connection to emotional investment highlights that values are not merely theoretical ideas but are linked to one's identity and motivation. This emotional aspect means that individuals are likely to act in accordance with their values, as those beliefs resonate with their personal sense of self and deeper convictions.

In contrast, commonly accepted societal standards relate more to collective norms rather than individual beliefs. Beliefs with no emotional investment cannot truly be values, as the lack of emotional engagement means they do not hold the same influence over a person's behavior. Commercial principles guiding behavior pertain specifically to business ethics and practices, which, while important, do not encapsulate the personal and emotional nature of values as defined here.