Corporate values help align your personal goals with those of your freelance business when they are solid. Therefore, they can foster a sense of purpose and satisfaction in your independent work. Hence, the need for them to be effectively established.

But do you know what corporate values are or how they are defined? Probably not, and that's why you're here, right?

That's why we've put together this post, to give you a push to help you determine the values of your business.

What are company values and why are they important?

What are Corporate Values?

Corporate values are the fundamental principles upon which a company's organizational culture is built. They guide behavior and decisions made within the company.

A company's values represent cultural, ethical, and moral standards. These define the identity of any freelance business, shape how you interact with your clients, suppliers, and the community at large. Therefore, they have the ability to reflect your ideals and the vision of your company.

Why is it Important to Define Corporate Values?

Defining a company's values is important in the freelance field for several reasons. First, because it serves as an ethical and cultural driver capable of guiding your work and business relationships.

Furthermore, corporate values act as a beacon, directing your decisions and actions. This promotes trust and professional identity, leading to potential collaborators and solid relationships with your clients.

It is also crucial to have clear values so that you can differentiate yourself in a typically competitive market. Similarly, it helps maintain your integrity in all interactions and increases good customer testimonials.

How are a Company's Values Defined?

Corporate values are defined through a reflective and participatory process involving all stakeholders.

This happens through:

• An internal and external analysis. It is necessary to understand the current culture of the business, the competitive environment, and customer expectations.

• The identification of basic principles. It is important to know what the crucial moral, cultural, and ethical principles are for the company and its members.

• Participation. You should involve all those interested in the project in discussions and activities. This way, you can identify the unique values that represent the identity and vision of the company.

• Integration. Values must be integrated into all areas of the organization. From daily operations to customer relations.

• A general overview. It is vital to visualize various future situations that the company will face, whether favorable or not. How will each scenario be handled? What principles will guide the decisions?

Establishing ethical and practical boundaries for decision-making can help you solidify much of the corporate values.

Are Vision and Mission Considered Company Values?

Vision and mission are not directly company values, but they are often confused because of the link between them.

The vision describes a long-term goal and the impact it will have on others. While the mission establishes a central purpose and the main activities of the organization.

Both can be informed and directed by corporate values. This is because they reflect the aspirations and beliefs present in the company, in terms of impact and purpose, despite not being values themselves.

10 Examples of Values Every Company Should Have

There are many corporate values that keep a business relevant and can help it grow in its niche. Apple is one of those companies that has succeeded thanks to its values. As well as Airbnb, Google, and many more.

Here are 10 examples of work values:

1. Integrity. Basic to show that the company or person acts with transparency, ethics, and honesty in all interactions.

2. Fairness. Ensures equality of opportunities and fair treatment for everyone.

3. Collaboration. Encourages teamwork and cooperation to meet common objectives.

4. Innovation. Invites the constant search for new ideas and creative solutions to improve.

5. Quality. Demonstrates that the company or person is committed to excellence in its products or services.

6. Flexibility. Ensures that the business is able to adapt quickly to market changes. As well as to the needs of the organization, with an open and receptive mindset.

7. Empathy. Proves the willingness to understand and consider the needs of others.

8. Autonomy. Encourages freedom and the ability to make independent decisions at work.

9. Problem-Solving. Provides tools and support to efficiently resolve work challenges that may arise.

10. Responsibility. Indicates that the person or company will assume the consequences of their actions and fulfill their commitments. For example, having the SAT certificate up to date or paying the corresponding VAT taxes.

It is also important to focus on consumers and strive to improve the customer experience.

How to Communicate All the Company's Values?

To effectively disseminate corporate values, you should:

• Define them clearly. Avoid subjective interpretations; transmission must be constant and coherent.

• Use technology. This way you can reach all members of the organization. An especially useful tool is the induction programs for new employees.

• Choose people with the same values. It is advisable to choose people who share similar values to yours or your business. This way, the results will be more productive.

• Use all possible channels. To communicate corporate values and ensure wide and consistent dissemination, take advantage of all available means, both internally and externally.

• It is essential that the company's actions reflect the defined values. This is how you demonstrate consistency between what is said and what is done.

This approach is comprehensive and congruent, validating that the company's values align with the culture. As a result, it will be recognized both inside and outside the organization.

The freelance market is very competitive, and building solid relationships with clients is essential. Analyze which values define you and grow your business.

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