When your values and job demands clash
7th November 2010
JAMES, a born-again christian, has just quit his sales job. The company he worked for introduced alcoholic products and wanted him to vend them. James threw in the towel, saying it was an abuse of his religious values.<br>
By Vique'-Ocean Kahinju
JAMES, a born-again christian, has just quit his sales job. The company he worked for introduced alcoholic products and wanted him to vend them. James threw in the towel, saying it was an abuse of his religious values.
Eliajah Mugisha, an HR consultant in Kampala, says most times different people feel offended to do jobs that they perceive as odd or against their personal or cultural values.
He says it is common for some people to forego particular jobs because they don’t conform to one’s personal, cultural or religious values and expections.
“Such attitude has affected many job-seekers’ opportunities to get work,†asserts Mugisha.
“I could not accept to drive that company vehicle because of its logo. Such symbols are against my religious norms,†argue some employees.
Mugisha explains that most times, job-seekers forget to research about the companies they want to work for or the kind of work they are expected to do, leading to clashes between one’s role and their beliefs.
“If you do a company check, you will know whether to take up the job or not, depending on what you find out about it,†he says.
It is a fact that all of us have personal values, beliefs, attitudes and fears. But should this come in the way of our careers?
Evelyn Komukyeya, a human resource manager, asserts most times beliefs, fears and attitude towards certain things can ruin one’s career.
Komukyeya explains that personal values can influence one’s communication with trainees or managers in relation to facts.
“Personal values develop over time. Whether you realise it or not, they influence everything you do or do not do. They are expressed everywhere in your everyday life,†she says.
She explains that like the biggest part of an iceberg is beneath the water and determines where the iceberg goes, one’s values determine their journey throughout life, employment inclusive.
That is why one needs to be cautious about jobs they apply for, to be in the safer side.
“It is important to know yourself to be able to set up guidelines on how to relate with others, especially at work,†explains Komukyeya.
This way, it will be possible to work out ways with your employer to avoid antagonism between your work and your cultural or religious beliefs.
Mugisha says, mostly invisible to others, one’s values may remain unknown to them too, “if you do not deliberately take time to define them.â€
This, he explains, is true in situations where one feels misplaced because of contradicting values such as religion, race and culture at work.
But he advises that its better to stick to what they believe in your guns and politely ask to be excused from certain tasks they consider controversial to their beliefs. “In today’s world, it is all about flexibility and proper
communication with your employer on how to go about the situation,†says Komukyeya.
However, some experts say going against one’s values or norms for the sake of a job might be counter-productive.
They argue that such a person would find it hard to concentrate or bring out their best because they do not feel at ease with what they are doing.
JAMES, a born-again christian, has just quit his sales job. The company he worked for introduced alcoholic products and wanted him to vend them. James threw in the towel, saying it was an abuse of his religious values.
Eliajah Mugisha, an HR consultant in Kampala, says most times different people feel offended to do jobs that they perceive as odd or against their personal or cultural values.
He says it is common for some people to forego particular jobs because they don’t conform to one’s personal, cultural or religious values and expections.
“Such attitude has affected many job-seekers’ opportunities to get work,†asserts Mugisha.
“I could not accept to drive that company vehicle because of its logo. Such symbols are against my religious norms,†argue some employees.
Mugisha explains that most times, job-seekers forget to research about the companies they want to work for or the kind of work they are expected to do, leading to clashes between one’s role and their beliefs.
“If you do a company check, you will know whether to take up the job or not, depending on what you find out about it,†he says.
It is a fact that all of us have personal values, beliefs, attitudes and fears. But should this come in the way of our careers?
Evelyn Komukyeya, a human resource manager, asserts most times beliefs, fears and attitude towards certain things can ruin one’s career.
Komukyeya explains that personal values can influence one’s communication with trainees or managers in relation to facts.
“Personal values develop over time. Whether you realise it or not, they influence everything you do or do not do. They are expressed everywhere in your everyday life,†she says.
She explains that like the biggest part of an iceberg is beneath the water and determines where the iceberg goes, one’s values determine their journey throughout life, employment inclusive.
That is why one needs to be cautious about jobs they apply for, to be in the safer side.
“It is important to know yourself to be able to set up guidelines on how to relate with others, especially at work,†explains Komukyeya.
This way, it will be possible to work out ways with your employer to avoid antagonism between your work and your cultural or religious beliefs.
Mugisha says, mostly invisible to others, one’s values may remain unknown to them too, “if you do not deliberately take time to define them.â€
This, he explains, is true in situations where one feels misplaced because of contradicting values such as religion, race and culture at work.
But he advises that its better to stick to what they believe in your guns and politely ask to be excused from certain tasks they consider controversial to their beliefs. “In today’s world, it is all about flexibility and proper
communication with your employer on how to go about the situation,†says Komukyeya.
However, some experts say going against one’s values or norms for the sake of a job might be counter-productive.
They argue that such a person would find it hard to concentrate or bring out their best because they do not feel at ease with what they are doing.