Core Values & Goal Attainment? Who cares!

Who cares….? Why is it important to know not only your own core values framework - but the espoused values of the organization you choose to contribute your time?

Well, there is evidence to suggest that there is a positive statistical correlation between the alignment of core values and goal attainment. Several studies have explored the relationship between values and goal achievement, and the results suggest that individuals who align their goals with their values are more likely to achieve them.

One study published in the Journal of Career Assessment found that individuals who were able to identify their core values and align their goals with them had higher levels of job satisfaction and career success. The study also found that values clarification and goal alignment were associated with higher levels of self-efficacy, which is an important factor in goal attainment.

This study discusses the role of core values in shaping career and academic interests, choices, and performance. It suggests that individuals who are able to align their goals with their core values are more likely to experience job satisfaction and career success. The study proposes a social cognitive theory of career development that emphasizes the importance of personal agency, self-efficacy beliefs, and the role of contextual and social factors in shaping career development.

STUDY REFERENCE - (Lent, R. W., Brown, S. D., & Hackett, G. (1994). Toward a unifying social cognitive theory of career and academic interest, choice, and performance. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 45(1), 79-122.

Another study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that individuals who were able to align their goals with their values reported greater progress and success in achieving their goals. The study also found that values-based goal setting was associated with higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction.

This study proposes the self-concordance model of goal setting and achievement, which suggests that the alignment of goals with personal values and interests is crucial for well-being and long-term success. The study found that individuals who set goals that were aligned with their personal values reported greater progress in achieving their goals and higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction. The study also suggests that the process of values-based goal setting enhances intrinsic motivation and reduces the negative effects of stress on well-being.

STUDY REFERENCE - (Sheldon, K. M., & Elliot, A. J. (1999). Goal striving, need satisfaction, and longitudinal well-being: The self-concordance model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 76(3), 482-497.)

In addition, research on motivation has shown that aligning goals with personal values can enhance intrinsic motivation, which is the motivation that comes from within rather than from external rewards or pressures.  When goals are aligned with personal values, individuals are more likely to find them personally meaningful and relevant, which can increase their motivation to achieve them.

Overall, the statistical correlation between alignment of core values and goal attainment appears to be positive.  When individuals can identify and align their goals with their values, they are more likely to experience greater motivation, self-efficacy, satisfaction, and success in achieving their goals.

This is even more important in the workplace! If you feel aligned with your organization - there is more likelihood you will be successful in goal attainment at the organizational level - that’s critical to your career success. Don’t sabotage your career before it even get started - put your energies into an organization that reflects your values! If you’re an organization - build into your hiring practices and your corporate culture those espoused values you want your workforce to embrace! It’s an investment that will yield significant returns!

However, it is important to note that correlation does not necessarily imply causation, and other factors may also play a role in goal attainment.