Value Orientation Model

Question 1

What is Value Orientation Model?

Answer 1

• The Value Orientation Model proposed that is possible to distinguish cultures based on how each culture addressed 4 common human concerns.
• According to VOM, the cultures could respond to the concerns in at least 3 ways, and that all cultures would express each of the three responses. The rank order of responses, also called “value orientations”, gave a culture its character.

Question 2

What are the 4 dimensions of VOM?

Answer 2

The four dimension are:

• Time Focus which includes Past, Present, and Future
• Human Activity which includes Being, Being & In-Becoming, and Doing
• Social Relations which includes Lineal, Collateral and Individualistic
• People-Nature Relationship which includes Subjugation to Nature, Harmony with Nature, and Mastery over Nature.

Question 3

Explain the Value Orientations under Time Focus

Answer 3

1. Past
   The past is important. Learn from history.
2. The present moment is everything. Don’t worry about tomorrow.
3. Future
   Plan for the future: Sacrifice today for a better tomorrow.

Question 4

Explain the Value Orientations under Human Activity

Answer 4

1. Being
   It’s enough just to be.
2. Being & In-becoming
   Our purpose in life is to develop our inner self
3. Doing
   Be active. Work hard and your efforts will be rewarded

Question 5

Explain the Value Orientations under Social Relations

Answer 5

1. Lineal
   Relationships are vertical. There are leaders and followers in this world
2. Collateral
   We should consult with friends/families when problems arise
3. Individualistic
   Individual autonomy is important. We control out own destiny

Question 6

Explain the Value Orientations under People/Nature Relationship

Answer 6

1. Subjugation to nature
   Life is largely determined by external forces (God, fate, genetics, etc)
2. Harmony with Nature
   People and nature coexist in harmony
3. Mastery over Nature
   Our challenge is to conquer and control nature