Value orientations as an assessment tool in cultural diversity.

Area of Science:

• Anthropology
• Sociology
• Cross-cultural Psychology

Background:

• Florence Kluckhohn developed the Value Orientations theoretical construct and assessment tool in the 1950s.
• The tool identifies dominant and variant cultural values and beliefs within groups.
• Previous testing occurred in both rural and urban settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Value Orientations tool and its theoretical underpinnings.
• To illustrate the tool's application within a single culture, using the Annang of Nigeria as a case study.
• To examine the tool's utility in identifying potential value conflicts in individual clients.

Main Methods:

• Description of the Value Orientations assessment tool.
• Application of the tool to the Annang culture in Nigeria.
• Analysis of data from the Annang cultural context.
• Examination of individual client data for value conflict assessment.

Main Results:

• The study details the methodology for using the Value Orientations tool.
• Demonstrates the practical application of the tool within the Annang culture.
• Provides insights into dominant and variant values within the Annang group.
• Highlights the tool's effectiveness in identifying individual value conflicts.

Conclusions:

• The Value Orientations tool is a valuable instrument for cultural assessment.
• The tool effectively elucidates cultural values and beliefs in specific populations.
• It serves as a practical method for identifying inter- and intra-cultural value conflicts.