B. Kabanoff et J. Holt, CHANGES IN THE ESPOUSED VALUES OF AUSTRALIAN ORGANIZATIONS 1986-1990, Journal of organizational behavior, 17(3), 1996, pp. 201-219
We compared the frequency with which 85 Australian organizations espou
sed nine values (authority, leadership, teamwork, commitment, rewards,
normative, participation, performance and affiliation) in 1986-1988 a
nd 1989-1990 through a content analysis of annual reports, internal ma
gazines, and mission statements. We studied value changes both by comp
aring the frequency of references to single values in the two periods
and the frequency with which four, distinctly different value structur
es (Elite, Leadership, Meritocratic, and Collegial) occurred among org
anizations in each period. Univariate comparisons over the whole sampl
e revealed only one significant difference-an increase in Commitment r
eferences over time. Comparisons based on groups of organizations with
different value structures indicated both a preponderance of organiza
tions with Elite values at time one, and that initially Elite organiza
tions showed most evidence of value change. The findings are discussed
in terms of the way univariate comparisons of mean shifts in values c
an mask the presence of significant differences in patterns of value c
hange between organizations, and the utility of content analysis for m
easuring organizational values unobtrusively. Possible explanations fo
r some of the changes observed are considered.