What is the primary driver of personal conduct?

The primary driver of personal conduct is values. Values form the core of an individual's beliefs and principles, influencing decisions and actions across various situations. They dictate what a person views as important or worthwhile in life and serve as a guide for behavior. For instance, values such as honesty, respect, and compassion can significantly shape how someone interacts with others and how they approach their responsibilities.

While ethics, social norms, and attitudes can influence conduct, they often stem from an individual's underlying values. Ethics provide a framework for moral conduct but are typically based on foundational values. Social norms reflect the accepted behaviors within a group, which can also derive from shared values prevalent in that culture or society. Attitudes represent an individual's predisposition towards certain ideas or people but are influenced by their deeper value system. Hence, understanding values is vital for comprehending the motivation behind personal conduct.