An organization’s core values define and describe its culture. An organization with a social function will have to have integrity very high on its agenda, while in horticulture sustainability and (food) safety are of great importance. Whether these values are actually core values depends on the dedication to them of the people working at the organization.

To truly integrate core values into the organization and people’s behavior, it helps to talk. Share and explore experiences with each other. This will increase awareness of the core values and help people better understand what they mean in practice.

A session of “moral deliberation” focuses on the exchange of experiences and reflection on them. In open conversation, we look for experiences that “chafe” with the formulated core values. Not to judge, just not, but to learn from it and get a common vision of the core values.

The method we use for moral deliberation is based on conversational techniques from the socratic method and follows a series of easy-to-understand steps. Moral deliberation is already very common in the medical field because of the ethical issues there. But in the green sector, it can also be an accessible way to increase interconnection and understanding.

The by-product of a session of moral deliberation is great. Colleagues better understand what other departments are working on, connection is created and people become aware that they do not have to make decisions alone. On the contrary, it adds value to include others in it.

“It was a valuable afternoon, because we discussed things that are not normally discussed very often.”

“I got to know colleagues from other departments better, and have a greater appreciation for all they do.”

“There are many more stakeholders and interests than I initially thought,” he said.

“This should be much more a part of our normal work,” he said.

“I realize more that I don’t have to make decisions alone.”

For moral reflection, Allura Vison Growers collaborates with other practical philosophers. A session can be of value to companies in the horticultural industry, but we are happy to offer it outside of that as well.