An Outline of Certain Generic Values - Work Dimensions

Abstract Background/Purpose: Values-related issues have come into the focus of leadership thinking in the past few decades and it seems to be paradoxical why values work has not been more extensively used so far for defining and conceptualizing leadership. A reason for this can be that values-oriented research streams normally approach leadership from specific perspectives of values representation and transfer. Alternatively, this study examines values work from a generic perspective. Its goal is to suggest a generalized notion for values work and outline certain generic values-work dimensions. Methods: Analysis in this theoretical paper is primarily based on Institutional, New Leadership, and Values-Oriented theories. Methods include argumentation and analytical framework development. Results: This study presents a structured list of and an illustrative framework for some of the dimensions of values work as broadly defined and has research implications regarding issues of leadership influence and the demarcation of leadership from management. Conclusion: The importance of values representation in contrast to power/influence perspectives in leadership is underlined. Our study points to the necessity for more research on generic aspects of values work. The results can also be used for leadership practice, consulting, and development.