In: Psychology
This assignment looks at how we might decide between self-gratification and the greater good. “Social value orientation” refers to what factors might influence an individual to look out for him- or herself at the expense of long-term group benefits. For each scenario, decide whether you are an altruist, cooperator, individualist, or competitor and explain why. Also, explain what changes in the scenario would influence you to change the orientation you chose. There can be more than one answer. You are shopping for a car and need something large enough to hold all of your possessions when you travel. You heard about a big markdown on a very large SUV, but it is reputed to be harmful to the environment. It is the only large vehicle you can afford and it meets all of your needs. Social Value Orientation and Why Circumstances That Would Create a Change, What the Change Would Be, and Why
The given hypothetical presents a moral conundrum between choosing individual goals over collective (here environmental) good. The situation calls forth an assessment of my own social value in light of the approach-avoidance conflict between my limited income and a budget friendly offer on the desirable SUV car versus the environmental issues associated with the use of a big car. In this situation of choice, I find myself more prone towards an -individualist orientation wherein I would wish to pursue my own personal interests. However, I can simultaneously try to help in the protection of the environment for others in my surroundings. Perhaps, even in buying the SUV car, I can still garner my altruistic orientation and do my bit in conserving other resources such as by recycling water at home, organising car pool for my office colleagues,etc.
However, I can easily see that the change in situation can change my original social value orientation. For instance, if my level of income is higher or I get a bonus, then I can operate from a predominantly altruistic orientation. This change in the financial situation would influence my orientation towards giving priority to the environment factors rather my own personal interests in buying only the SUV car as I could easily afford another echo friendly models of cars which may be available in the market. Thus changes in circumstances can bring about changes in ones social values