Prinsloo, ChristoffLew, Charlene2021-07-122021-07-122021-04Prinsloo, C., & Lew, C. (2021). Openness to change and conservation in value-laden decisions. SA Journal of Human Resource Management/SA Tydskrif vir Menslikehulpbronbestuur, 19(0), a1468. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v19i0.1468.1683-7584 (print)2071-078X (online)10.4102/sajhrm.v19i0.1468http://hdl.handle.net/2263/80794ORIENTATION : Values influence decision-making in organisations; however, it is not yet clear how values of openness to change and conservation determine decision quality when managers are faced by competing values. RESEARCH PURPOSE : The research examines the relationships between managerial values of openness to change and conservation and cognitive decision quality. MOTIVATION FOR RESEARCH : We argue that values influence cognitive decision-making quality. RESEARCH APPROACH/DESIGN AND METHOD : The quantitative research design made use of the portrait value questionnaire–based values of openness to change and conservation in relation to a measure of decision-making quality based on two value clashing decision scenarios. Main findings: The results revealed that the managers’ cognitive decision-making quality was lower for those who valued tradition within the conservation value block, with some indication that self-directed thought related to better cognitive processing of decision alternatives. Contribution/value-add: The research demonstrates how the operationalised integrative complexity measure may be used as a novel decision-making quality metric. In addition, it introduces new value-sensitive decision-making scenarios. It also demonstrates that decision quality considerations in the value-driven decision-making dialogue are as important as ethical considerations. A values and quality decision-making framework gives managers an approach to higher quality decisions. PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS : As values are stable rules of behaviour, the results support the development of decision-making quality and values awareness for managers.en© 2021. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.Decision-making qualityManagerial valuesOpenness to changeConservationValue clashesArticle