The following post is a response on my peer’s blog, Bamboo Lyu, titled “Are the things you value most really valuable?”. In the blog post, Lyu examined how actions and materials people value change depending on the individual. She focused on an interview of Ivanka Trump and commented on her values and how they differ from hers.

I believe that it is first important to identify the values discussed in the blog. According to Chapter 3, Values Attitudes and Diversity in the Workplace the values discussed can be categorized as instrumental, as they help propel the individual towards their end goal, also known as terminal values1. In the blog, Lyu explains that she does not value the same things that Ivanka Trump does, and she offers an interpretation of the things she would value if she was in Ivanka’s place. I believe that this comparison being made is very valuable as it presents the two factors which allow for a clash between values: generational and cultural differences.

Lyu and Ms. Trump are both from a different generation, therefore, the aspects that they view important vary. Ivanka is part of generation Y, also known as the millennials, who enlarge value being rich and famous while still maintaining a sense of social responsibility. On the other hand, Lyu is part of generation Z who according to a study by the Huffington Post are focused on improving their standard of living, not necessarily just financially, but also in terms of making the world a better place2. Consequently, the varying needs and goals of the individuals affect their values as their end goal is different therefore the process of achieving it will also be divergent.

The two individuals, Lyu and Ivanka have had very distinctive cultural experiences. There is no theory that explicitly states it but cultural experiences help shape people and the decisions they make. In consequence, this allows Lyu and Ivanka to have deviating values.

To conclude, Lyu brought up a very important situation, presenting the topics which allow the clash between values. Both Lyu and Ivanka come from a different generational group and share very different cultural experiences which helps shape their decisions. The analysis of the differences between the values of Lyu and Ivanka presented in Lyu’s blog perfectly represent the clash between values.

Works Cited

  1. Beall, G. (2016, May 11). 8 Key Differences between Gen Z and Millennials. Retrieved March 28, 2017, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/george-beall/8-key-differences-between_b_12814200.html
  2. Langton, Robbins, Judge, Organizational Behaviour, 7th edition.