ATTITUDE, BELIEFS AND VALUES

WEEK 11

TUESDAY 3^RD MAY 2011

IT-CERT 2

COMMUNICATION

ATTITUDE, BELIEFS AND VALUES

12:30-15:30

Welcome back class, I take it that you were able to fully explore your now, diverse and growing range of interpersonal communication skills with friends, family and most importantly the Easter Bunny!

ATTITUDE, BELIEFS AND VALUES

An understanding of our own beliefs, values and attitudes will help us understand other. We have an awareness of ourselves that allows us to see how similar and different we are to others. We can describe how we have been changed by experiences, our abilities, intelligence, maturity as well as our own sense of where we ‘fit’ in society today. Once we think about where ‘I’ am in relation to others I can then begin to identify the attitudes, values and beliefs of others. However, it is not a matter of simply saying, “You’re different because of…” There has to be a deep understanding of yourself and this can be achieved by the process of self reflection, an ongoing process.

There are many factors that contribute to a person’s identity.

Can you name some?

Values

They are qualities that are considered worthwhile; they represent your highest priorities. When you are part of any organization, you bring your deeply held values and beliefs to the organization. There they co-mingle with those of the other members to create an organization or family culture.

What are values?

Ambition, equality, dedication, honesty, dignity, wisdom, courage, individuality, friendliness, loyalty, teamwork, compassion, generosity, credibility, accountability and many more.

Think about this gang, what is self-reflection?

The Five Types of beliefs as defined by the ‘AdMan’ Milton Rokeach.

1.   Type A beliefs: These are beliefs that we all share with one another about the nature of physical reality, social reality and awareness of self. For example, “I believe this is a table. I believe we are living on what we call planet earth. I believe my name is John Doe.” These beliefs are supported by the society we live in and are fundamental in maintain a cohesive society. Also very resistant to change.

2.   Type B beliefs: are also resistant to change. These beliefs arise from our deep personal experiences which do not depend on society to support. Type B beliefs are the ones that no matter what others say or do we continue to know ourselves as an intelligent, logical and rational person. It is our positive self image. However, Type B beliefs are also negative in that they manifest themselves as phobias, obsessions, compulsions, anxiety and self worth.

3.   Type C beliefs: This is called ‘Authority Beliefs’. Many aspects of physical and social reality have numerous interpretations. They can be controversial or cannot be verified by personal experience. Thus, we need to identify with ‘authorities’ because they help soothe the confusion and guide us to what we should and shouldn’t believe.  Evolution, war, abortion, welfare, charity, refugees are all issues that demand clarification from authorities such as; parents, teachers, scientists, religious leaders and we decide what authority is in our best interests.

4.   Type D beliefs: These are called ‘peripheral beliefs’. These beliefs come from the authorities we identify with. For example, a devote follower of the Temple of Flying Saucer Aliens has certain beliefs about technology and ‘where humans came from’. You believe this not because you have seen these aliens but because you trust the authority. However, peripheral beliefs change  and followers ‘peripheral beliefs’ will accept this change as long as it comes from one’s authority.

5.   Type E beliefs: These are called ‘inconsequential beliefs’. This is an acceptance of everyday mundane experiences and or attitudes that do not affect the rest of my belief system. “I believe,” for example, “I believe that drinking water from a bottle is no different from water coming from a tap. I believe that holidays on the coast are better than mountain holidays. I believe this detective novel is better that a romance story.” Yet, if you do change your mind about the water, holiday or novel the rest of my belief system is not going to be greatly affected.