9 Levels of Value Systems® - visualising values, developing culture in a targeted way

The 9 Levels of Value Systems® are a scientifically based diagnostic tool that makes values and resistance in individuals, teams and organisations visible. The model is based on the integral development model by Prof. Clare W. Graves and has been further developed into a standardised, digitally evaluable analysis procedure. The questionnaires fulfil the relevant quality criteria (objectivity, validity, reliability) and can be completed online in just 15-20 minutes.

What the 9 Levels® measure

The 9 Levels® record which values shape behaviour, decisions and cooperation today - and where there is resistance to certain values.
What is measured?

• Individual value profiles (PVS)
• Team profiles (GVS)
• organisational value profiles (OVS)

The evaluation shows the characteristics of the nine value levels and possible resistance. Interpretation patterns such as "bell", "pinnacle" or "plateau" provide indications of change dynamics or value plurality in the system.

Scientific basis

The 9 Levels® are based on Clare W. Graves' integral development model, which describes how the value systems of individuals and social systems develop and evolve. The tools have been further developed on this basis and have been tried and tested in practice: they are used in companies in various sectors and provide a structured, clearly interpretable data picture of values and areas of tension.

Areas of application in culture and transformation projects

The 9 Levels® support companies in situations where cultural clarity and targeted development are required:

Cultural diagnostics and cultural target images

The profiles clarify which values characterise the current culture and which values would be necessary for future strategic requirements. This results in a clear comparison between the current and target images.

Change management

The resistance profiles help to understand where blockages can arise in change processes and which cultural levers are effective - at both individual and organisational level.

Team and leadership development

For teams, differences in expectations, cooperation and priorities become visible. For managers, the profiles provide information on how they can adapt their leadership style in order to work effectively.

Individual reflection and coaching

The personal profiles show formative values, possible inner tensions and development opportunities over time.

Online implementation and data protection

The survey is conducted digitally and takes approx. 15-20 minutes per person. The evaluation is automated and provides graphically clear, comprehensible profiles for individuals, teams and organisations.
Data processing is carried out in accordance with the GDPR and BDSG. IT and data protection approvals as well as optional technical anonymisation are taken into account in the project process and described in the how-to-guide.

Interpretation of the profiles

The result profiles show:

• Characteristics of the nine levels (purple to turquoise)
• Resistance to the individual value ranges
• Typical patterns such as bell, pinnacle, plateau, canyon or outliers
• Indications of a desire for change, degrees of maturity or plurality of values

These patterns help to precisely identify cultural tensions, development tasks or particular strengths.