An organization's managers state publicly that they value and reward ethical behavior, yet some managers behave unethically. The public statements are an example of ______________, and the actual behavior is an example of ______________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Espoused values are the values an organization states that it believes in and promotes, such as valuing and rewarding ethical behavior. In-use values, on the other hand, are the values that are actually reflected in the way an organization operates, including the behavior of its managers. When there is a discrepancy between what is said (espoused values) and what is done (in-use values), it highlights a gap between the ideal and the actual organizational culture.

An Organization's Managers State Publicly That They Value and Reward