CHANGES IN THE ESPOUSED VALUES OF AUSTRALIAN ORGANIZATIONS 1986-1990

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.