C4arvot

C4arvot is a theoretical framework used in organizational ethics and policy design to articulate four core values that guide decision-making. The term blends the idea of a four-part set (C4) with arvot, a word meaning values in several Nordic and Baltic languages. The four guiding values are Collaboration, Clarity, Consistency, and Compassion.

The framework is intended to be applied across strategic planning, program design, and operational governance. In practice, it prompts decision-makers to check proposals and actions against each value: Does it enable effective collaboration and stakeholder engagement? Is it clearly articulated and transparent? Is it consistent with existing rules and precedents? Does it demonstrate compassion toward those affected? Organizations often embed C4arvot into codes of conduct, training modules, and evaluation rubrics, using simple checklists and scoring systems to assess alignment.

Origins are debated; proponents point to discussions in ethics and governance literature in the early 21st century, while others describe it as a heuristic developed in policy design workshops. Adoption patterns show that C4arvot is most common in public-sector reform efforts and value-driven corporate governance.

Critics argue that four values may be too generic to capture complex contexts, and that interpretations can vary across cultures or domains. Supporters counter that the framework is deliberately simple to facilitate broad buy-in and consistent implementation.