1/3 of SEA say they're willing to ditch their own values for a job, survey finds

Oof.

June 8, 2022

1/3 of SEA say they're willing to ditch their own values for a job, survey finds

In a recent survey conducted by consumer data and analytics company Milieu Insight, findings show that the vast majority of employees in Southeast Asia – namely Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines – place a certain sense of importance on the values of their companies.

While this might seem like common sense, the survey – titled Values At Work – dives much deeper than that.

Does it pay to be 'the good guy'?

IMAGE: tirachardz / Freepik

The May 2022 study, which recorded responses from 1,000 participants from each of the aforementioned Southeast Asian countries, revealed that 95 percent of employees found the values of their company important to them on a personal level. Despite this, more than one-third of employees said they were willing to sacrifice their own values just for the job.

Close to half (49 percent) say they wouldn't work for a company with values different or contradictory to their own. However, 41 percent of them say they're willing to compromise their values a little bit, as long as what they're doing isn't illegal.

Image courtesy of Milieu Insight.

More than two-thirds of employees strongly agree (35 percent) and somewhat agree (38 percent). However, another 13 percent believe it's completely fine for their company to lie or manipulate the truth, as long as it isn't illegal. And speaking of lying, the study also shows that more than one in 10 employees have lied to a colleague (15 percent).

14 percent have gone against their values just to meet their work targets, and another 13 percent have willingly helped their company cover up a mistake or wrongdoing.

Image courtesy of Milieu Insight.

But are companies in Southeast Asia actively trying to uphold positive values? According to the findings, they're doing something, but it isn't enough.

Despite studies showing the importance of value compatibility in determining job satisfaction and company profitability, only 44 percent of respondents believe their companies are doing a good job of upholding positive values in the workplace. This number gets even more disappointing when you realize it's skewed more towards those in the Philippines (57 percent) and Thailand (47 percent) – Singapore and Malaysia have some catching up to do.

Image courtesy of Milieu Insight.

While larger companies often have more resources and a stronger brand to communicate their values properly, smaller companies may need to push themselves a little. The study suggests highlighting the positive social impacts of their work, either through philanthropy or corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Ultimately, are companies even obliged to 'do good'?

IMAGE: tirachardz / Freepik

61 percent of respondents agree that companies are definitely obliged to do good for society, especially among Filipino (73 percent) and Thai (68 percent) employees. After all, it's widely accepted that CSR has immense power when it comes to improving (or maintaining) brand perception, as well as attractiveness to customers, employees, and investors.

More than half of respondents (59 percent) believe that CSR policies are integral to creating a positive impact. However, more than a quarter (29 percent) think CSR policies are just for show – essentially for branding and public relations purposes.

Image courtesy of Milieu Insight.

"We’re creating a workplace culture of employee empowerment and engagement, and I believe companies must first re-examine their cultures to ensure they are attracting and retaining the type of talent that will drive business success," says Derek Tan, HR Manager at Milieu Insight.

"Leaders should reflect on the extent to which they’re listening to employees, driving cultural values themselves, and recognizing employee performance — all of which are critical to empowering a diverse workforce."