Values of computer professionals: implications for institutional building

A survey of 142 computer professionals and managers reveals the values held by the individuals. Results of the research have implications for the development of corporate institutions and culture. Respondents were classified according to Graves' existence levels: tribalistic, egocentric, conformist, manipulative, sociocentric, and existential. Results show that the existential level predominates over other levels and is ranked highest for items involved with boss, health, systems and procedures, and job freedom. Results also indicate that there are differences between the way people use values to evaluate others and themselves, between the way values are stated and practiced, and between specific-level choices and conceptual-level preferences.