A632.5.5.RB_PALUGODCAROLYN

 In our reading, protected values (PV) are defined as values that are absolute and inviolable in which you are willing to accept trade-offs (Hoch, Kunreuther, & Gunther, 2001).  We are unwilling to sacrifice these values for any financial or personal benefit.  My protected values revolve around humanitarian issues such as the environment and human and animal rights.  One great example of honoring one of my PV’s was when I used to work for a nonprofit that provided surgical care to children in developing countries.  Generally speaking, my entire team of doctors and nurses had a protected value to provide care to the poorest of the poor.  All of us shared this same value since our entire team was made up of volunteers who gave of their money and time to participate in these medical missions.  Yet, one of our greatest challenges was the lack of resources in these countries to perform these surgeries and most importantly, the resistance we sometimes met from government agencies and medical entities from these countries.  Ironically, our partners in these countries who supposedly shared these values with us, and on most occasions hosted our missions, were usually the first ones to stray from the protected values and make trade-offs. Most of the time this occurred if any kind of financial issue or expense was at stake.  The bottom line always being that, “yes” they wanted to help the children of their country, but “no”, they were not willing to contribute additional funding or participate in certain expenses. 

Another protected value that I notice does not always hold up for me or people who share this same value, is animal right’s issues.  I am extremely sensitive to the welfare of animals and am the first to voice my opinion on the inhumane treatment of animals. I’ve rescued many animals in my day, gave them homes, searched for homes for them and donated a lot of personal finances towards the cause.  Yet, the last 10 years I have become progressively allergic to all types of animals, but worst of all, cats.  I have still rescued cats, but more and more it becomes more difficult because of my allergies.  I used to just severely medicate myself with antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs, inhalers, etc. so that I could continue to rescue them but I have made the trade-off to not rescue cats because I no longer want to jeopardize my health with all of these chemicals and medicines.  My allergies with dogs also affect me and sometimes I will make the trade-off to not bring dogs to my house to avoid having symptoms and instead try and find other home for them or take them to a shelter when I find them.

At the end of the day I think you have to weigh out the degree of trade-offs.  I ask myself: is my health at risk? Can I financially afford to support my protected values? Am I harming someone else in the process?  I don’t think any value can really be set in stone because there is always the possibility of them getting tested and the risk of having to accept a trade-off.

There are various ways to address decision-making in a way to honor your protected values.  Some strategies are shaping the context of your decision, challenging protected values by asking about other conflicts, recognizing that zero tolerance of unprotected values is untenable, and lastly understanding the market value of those protected values (Hoch, Kunreuther, & Gunther, 2001).  

 In my case, when trying negotiating with others, I try to put myself in their shoes and empathize with their values.  I feel that this type of behavior shows compassion and many times can sway the other party towards your decision because they see that you are willing to see all perspectives. 

References

Hoch, S. J., Kunreuther, H. C., & Gunther, R. E. (2001).

Wharton on making decisions, Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.