Processvalues

Processvalues are the guiding principles or ethical standards that are embedded within the design and execution of business or organizational processes. Unlike static corporate values that are displayed on a wall or stated in a mission statement, processvalues influence day‑to‑day operational decisions, workflow designs, and interaction patterns among stakeholders. They act as a compass that helps ensure that each process step aligns with broader organizational goals such as quality, efficiency, sustainability, or customer satisfaction.

The concept emerged from the intersection of process management, ethics, and organizational culture studies in the early 2000s. Researchers in fields such as industrial engineering, information systems, and behavioral economics argue that embedding values directly into process logic can reduce the likelihood of unethical behavior, increase employee engagement, and improve compliance with regulations. For instance, a procurement process may include a value constraint that prioritizes suppliers with verified labor practices, thereby operationalizing the company’s social responsibility commitment.

Practically, processvalues are implemented through mechanisms like value‑based workflow templates, decision points that require ethical justification, and performance metrics that capture valueful behavior. Toolkits such as ValueFlow and ProcessEthics provide frameworks for identifying, articulating, and testing these values within existing process models. By integrating processvalues, organizations can achieve greater alignment between strategic intent and operational reality, leading to more resilient and adaptive systems.