Toward a Systemic Explanation of Valuing

The complexity of valuing is examined by assessing the process of valuing, beginning with a basic method: rank ordering. To understand this process, 64 participants were asked to record their comments as they took the Rokeach Value Survey (RVS). Examination of these comments reveals that many agendas seem to be operating, making valuing far more complex than the linear model of rank ordering values permits. Those who reflect on this task seem to find themselves engaged in something more complex. The participants' comments reveal systemic rather than only linear tensions among values.