What are personal values defined as?

Personal values are best defined as principles or standards that an individual believes are worthwhile. They are deeply held beliefs that guide a person’s behavior, decision-making, and overall approach to life. These values often stem from personal experiences, cultural influences, and reflections on what individuals find important or beneficial. They shape how people interact with others and make choices that align with their own beliefs about what is right and meaningful.

In contrast, external societal standards refer to norms and expectations that society imposes on individuals, which can vary significantly across different cultures and communities. Company policies are formal guidelines set by an organization to regulate conduct within the workplace, which are not inherently personal and can change depending on the organization's needs or management decisions. Legal requirements are regulations defined by law that govern professional practice, especially in fields like education, but these do not encapsulate personal beliefs or values as they are reliable to enforce compliance and standards rather than reflect personal priorities. Thus, the correct definition focuses on the intrinsic beliefs that shape an individual's identity and ethical framework.