What is the Difference Between Terminal and Instrumental Values?

The difference between terminal and instrumental values lies in their purpose and relation to a person's goals and behavior:

• Terminal Values: These are the end goals or objectives that a person wants to achieve during their lifetime. They represent the highest values in a person's value system and are considered the destination or end-state of existence. Terminal values are often shared by people and remain relatively consistent throughout their lives. Examples of terminal values include family security, national security, and salvation.
• Instrumental Values: These are the means or behaviors that help a person achieve their terminal values. They are more focused on personality traits and character. Instrumental values guide a person's actions and interactions with others, providing the roadmap to reach their terminal values. They differ from person to person and can change over time, sometimes leading to conflicts. Examples of instrumental values include being ambitious, honest, polite, loving, and logical.

In summary, terminal values define the ultimate goals and objectives, while instrumental values provide the methods and behaviors to achieve those goals. Terminal values set the ultimate goalposts, while instrumental values act as the roadmap to reach them.

Comparative Table: Terminal vs Instrumental Values

The difference between terminal and instrumental values lies in their purpose and the way they are used in our lives. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

In summary, terminal values represent the end-states of existence or life goals that a person wants to achieve during their lifetime, while instrumental values are modes of behavior that help people achieve their terminal values.