Values Work: A Process Study of the Emergence and Performance of Organizational Values Practices

Academy of Management Journal, Forthcoming

University of Alberta School of Business Research Paper No. 2013-11

63 Pages Posted: 1 Apr 2012 Last revised: 7 Apr 2014

See all articles by Joel Gehman

Joel Gehman

George Washington University - Department of Strategic Management & Public Policy

Linda K. Trevino

Pennsylvania State University - Smeal College of Business

Raghu Garud

Pennsylvania State University

Date Written: October 5, 2012

Abstract

Existing cognitive and cultural perspectives on values have under-theorized the processes whereby values come to be practiced in organizations. We address this lacuna by studying the emergence and performance of what we call values practices. Drawing on an analysis of the development of an honor code within a large business school, we theorize the multiple kinds of values work involved in dealing with pockets of concern, knotting local concerns into action networks, performing values practices, and circulating values discourse. We conclude by discussing some opportunities and challenges that values work implies for future organizational scholarship.

Keywords: values work, actor-network theory, practice theory, values practices

JEL Classification: A13, M14, L31

Suggested Citation

Gehman, Joel and Trevino, Linda K. and Garud, Raghu, Values Work: A Process Study of the Emergence and Performance of Organizational Values Practices (October 5, 2012). Academy of Management Journal, Forthcoming, University of Alberta School of Business Research Paper No. 2013-11, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2032112

Joel Gehman (Contact Author)

George Washington University - Department of Strategic Management & Public Policy ( email )

Washington, DC 20052
United States

Linda K. Trevino

Pennsylvania State University - Smeal College of Business ( email )

University Park, PA 16802
United States
814-865-2194 (Phone)

Raghu Garud

Pennsylvania State University ( email )

University Park
State College, PA 16802
United States

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