Organizational values are defined as what?

Organizational values are best understood as the norms that govern individual behavior within a firm. These values serve as guiding principles that shape the culture of the organization, influencing how employees interact with each other, make decisions, and approach their work. When an organization has clearly defined values, they not only establish a framework for expected behavior but also foster a shared sense of purpose and identity among employees. This often leads to increased employee engagement, alignment with the company’s mission, and a stronger overall organizational culture.

In contrast, financial standards are primarily concerned with the fiscal aspects of a business and do not directly pertain to the behavioral norms within the organization. Similarly, market trends relate primarily to external factors that influence a company's strategic direction but do not dictate internal conduct. Lastly, while legal regulations are crucial to compliance and operating within the law, they do not reflect the intrinsic values that guide an organization’s culture and employee behavior. Thus, the emphasis on norms in shaping individual actions and the overall environment makes the identification of organizational values as governing behavior the most accurate answer.