Rokeach Value Survey
On the following pages are two lists of values; 18 terminal values and 18 instrumental values. Terminal
values are “end result” values describing what you want to get out of life. Instrumental values are the
ways you seek to accomplish your terminal values. Terminal values are marked with (T); Instrumental
values are marked (I).
Your task is to put each value in a priority order - #1 matters most, #18 matters least – for how each
value matters to you: how much of a “guiding principle” is each value in your life? Don't worry about
how you believe you should prioritize the list, or how others might prioritize it for themselves, or how
they might prioritize it for you. Prioritize the lists according to the way things are for you.
Print the Terminal and Instrumental Values on separate pieces of paper that you can cut into individual
blocks. Start with the Terminal Value blocks. “What is it you want most out of life?” Arrange the blocks
according to what matters most to you. When you're finished arranging your Terminal Values, copy the
results onto the Terminal Values blank sheet (page 4). Ignore the “why this matters to me” column for
the moment.
Do the same thing with the Instrumental Values blocks. “What is most important to you about the way
you go about achieving your Terminal values?” Again, arrange the blocks according to what matters
most to you. After you've finished prioritizing your Instrumental Values, transcribe them onto the
Instrumental Values blank form (page 5).
The final step of identifying your Terminal and Instrumental Values is to write a short sentence about
the meaning of each value. For example, if “National Security” is one of your higher values, you might
understand it (and yourself!) better by identifying why it is a priority for you.
There are a couple of ways you can do this exercise: You can arrange the values in a “first thought that
comes to mind” manner. Some people believe that this way most closely reflects how you see yourself.
The other way is to spend some time on the project, thinking carefully about your choices. Other people
believe that a carefully thought-out response more accurately reflects your view of yourself. Either way,
your goal is to identify how you see yourself.
Nothing is set in stone: at any time, you should go back and change the ranked order of either list if you
have any new thoughts about your answers.
When you've finished ranking both sets of values, you should have a fairly accurate picture of how you
really feel about what’s important in your life.
Why is this important? There are several reasons. First, people tend to try to accomplish similar results
using similar means in a variety of situations in their lives and relationships. Sometimes its helpful to
step back and see oneself through new eyes. Second, not everyone sees things the same way as
another person does. Conflicts can arise when people hold different values and means of
accomplishing their values. Understanding (and more importantly, accepting!) this may help you work
more effectively with others who have very different Terminal and Instrumental values.
Have fun!
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