Values

Values are found in many places (Picture of Values, 2009). There are values inherent or expressed in relevant legislation and related policy positions; values determined by communities, groups and individuals; values developed or engaged for a variety of reasons, such as ethical systems or priority-setting schemes; and values inherent in a specific professional role or discipline or determined through training and education. Values do not have to be those that would underpin an ethical scheme. Those values may be concerned with equity, equality, beneficence, non-malfeasance, justice and autonomy. However, values may be much more prosaic, reflecting and dependent on real-life concerns, such as treating a person with dignity, respect, tolerance and understanding.

Values-based practice is a process that supports balanced decision-making within a framework of shared values where complex and conflicting values are in play (Fulford et al., 2012, forthcoming). Values-based commissioning aims to support balanced decision-making within a framework of shared or negotiated values based on the ‘premise of mutual respect and relying for its practical effectiveness on good process’ rather than on previously arranged right answers. We may have a set of answers that we genuinely believe are the ‘right’ outcomes, but so may others. Negotiating values will enable us to respond respectfully to the wishes and demands of others in a way that preserves and indeed enhances our own values, even when we agree that the others’ values will trump.