This study evaluated the efficacy of the United States Marine Corps’ Values Based Training (VBT) program in inculcating new male recruits (N = 481) with organizational core values while participating in 12 weeks of basic training. This study posited that normative organizational core values are manifested by the values of drill instructors (N = 252), and are taught to recruits through direct communication and modeling behavior. This study hypothesized that recruits’ values change and become more congruent with the values of their drill instructors as a result of exposure to VBT. A longitudinal panel study of recruits was completed using the Schwartz Values Survey to survey recruits at t=0 and t=12 weeks. The change in recruits’ values priorities was compared to the values of their drill instructors. The data revealed that recruits’ values do change while at boot camp and that their values become more congruent with those of their drill instructors. This study represents the first such evaluation of the VBT program.
What are basic human values? They are desirable, trans-situational goals, varying in importance, that serve as guiding principles in peoples’ lives. (Schwartz, 1992)
