Threaded Discussion # 1 is based on information presented in Ch. 2 - Values and Attitudes of our textbook. Personal values and attitudes we hold reflect what is most important to us and affect the ways we think, make decisions, and behave in our daily lives. These values are relatively stable throughout our lives. Our values are typically based on life experiences we encountered in our early childhood and adolescent years, values communicated directly or indirectly by our parents and our spiritual and religious beliefs.

A discussion of values is relevant to our own self-management as well as our ability to influence, manage, motivate and lead others. One way to begin to think about the interplay between values and workplace attitudes and behaviors in organizational settings is to see it in action. Watch the short (approximately 11 minutes) on Patagonia, an outdoor clothing company. The retail store is committed to environmental and social responsibility as well as its employees.

To view the video, click on the following link or cut and paste the URL into your web browser.

http://www.viddler.com/embed/d42a0a521/?f=1&player=arpeggio&secret=12370329&make_responsive=0(Links to an external site.)

After viewing the video, answer the following threaded discussion questions. Be sure to refer to and incorporate concepts presented in Ch. 2 in your responses.

1. In your opinion, what is the Patagonia doing to set itself apart from other organizations in their industry?
2. In your opinion, which specific key workplace attitudes; namely, organizational commitment, employee engagement, perceived organizational support, and job satisfaction are most likely to be positively impacted by the policies and practices at Patagonia? Briefly explain your rationale for selecting each of the attitudes you chose.
3. Which Patagonia policy (or policies) do you find most appealing? Briefly discuss what resonates with you about the policy (or policies) you selected. That is, identify and discuss which corporate values presented in the Patagonia video align with your personal values.
4. Do you think it is possible to assess a job candidate's personal values in a job interview? Briefly explain why you think it is or is not possible to do so.