The Personal Values of University Students in South Africa

Abstract

The failure of ethical standards amongst managers is one of the causes of fraud, corruption, corporate scandals and business failures. Values are a powerful force behind the behavioural responses of individuals. The objective of the study was to investigate the personal values of university students in South Africa. Universities have an important role to play in solving the ethical problems that currently affect the business environment. Data was collected through the use of self-administered questionnaire in a survey. The study used the Schwartz Portrait Value Questionnaire. The results indicated that achievement is the most significant value. The next four most important values are self-direction, benevolence, security and universalism. In addition, there is a relatively high score for conformity value. This suggests that students will behave properly and will avoid doing wrong things.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p758