Egenverdiene

Egenverdiene is a Norwegian term that denotes the values an individual personally endorses and prioritizes in guiding their behavior and choices. In ethics, psychology and social science, the concept refers to internalized beliefs and principles that a person regards as central to who they are, rather than values imposed from outside sources such as family, culture or institutions.

Key features of egenverdiene include their internal origin, their role in shaping judgments and actions, and their potential stability over time while remaining open to change as a person experiences new situations. Egenverdiene influence everyday decisions, moral reasoning, and long-term life goals. They often operate in tandem with set of external norms but differ in origin and subjective importance.

Identification and assessment of egenverdiene can involve self-reflection, value inventories, guided interviews, and deliberative exercises. In practice, uncovering one’s egenverdiene is a common aim in counseling, career guidance, leadership development and organizational culture work, where alignment between personal values and external expectations is considered critical for motivation and well-being.

Egenverdiene are not static; they can evolve with life experiences, cultural context, and changing circumstances. They may also come into tension with societal, legal, or professional obligations, creating ethical dilemmas that require balancing different considerations. Cross-cultural differences and personal development trajectories can lead to diverse configurations of egenverdiene across individuals and groups.

See also: personal values, value congruence, ethical frameworks, value discovery.