The key difference between terminal and instrumental values is that terminal values are the highest values in a person’s value system, whereas instrumental values are the ones that are often used. Both terminal and instrumental values affect people’s personal and professional lives alike. The priorities of values differ among these groups of people in society.
Key Takeaways
- Terminal values are the goals that a person would like to achieve during his or her lifetime, signifying the final goals and objectives of a person’s life.
- Instrumental values are modes of behavior that an individual follows to achieve the aims in his or her life, often used in day-to-day lives.
- The key difference between terminal and instrumental values is that terminal values are the highest values in a person’s value system, whereas instrumental values are the ones that are often used.
What are Terminal Values?
Terminal values are the goals that a person would like to achieve during his or her lifetime. They signify the final goals and objectives of a person’s life and are their destination. Therefore, they are also referred to as the end-state of existence. Terminal values are the highest values in a person’s value system and are very important. These values are shared by a group as a whole.
Examples of Terminal Values include a world at peace, family security, freedom, equality, self-respect, happiness, wisdom, national security, true friendship, salvation, a sense of accomplishment, a world of beauty, a comfortable life, an exciting life, social recognition, mature love, inner harmony, and pleasure.
What are Instrumental Values?
Instrumental values are modes of behavior in achieving terminal values. These values are used often in day-to-day lives and can lead to conflicts since they differ within a group. Generally, these values show the ways an individual would follow to achieve the aims in their life.
Examples of Instrumental Values include being cheerful, loving, honest, exhibiting self-control, being capable, ambitious, polite, imaginative, independent, intellectual, broad-minded, logical, courageous, obedient, helpful, responsible, clean, and forgiving.
What is the Difference Between Terminal and Instrumental Values?
Terminal values are the goals that a person would like to achieve during his or her lifetime, while instrumental values are modes of behavior in achieving the terminal values. The key difference between terminal and instrumental values is that terminal values are the highest values in a person’s value system, whereas instrumental values are the ones that are often used.
Summary – Terminal vs Instrumental Values
Terminal values are the goals that a person would like to achieve during his or her lifetime and are considered the highest values in a person’s value system. Instrumental values, on the other hand, are the modes of behavior in achieving the terminal values. People use these values often in their lives, and they differ from person to person, which sometimes even leads to conflicts. Thus, this is the summary of the difference between terminal and instrumental values. Both terminal and instrumental values differ among the various social groups in society, and the priorities of their values differ.
