Earlier this year, The Salvation Army Ethics Centre in Winnipeg conducted the bi-annual territorial values survey. This survey asks participants to select the top 10 values that best reflect three categories: who they are, the current culture of their Salvation Army context, and the values they believe are essential for their context to reach its highest potential.

The values survey was distributed across the territory to officers, employees, volunteers, soldiers and church members, and received 726 responses. The results provide a snapshot of the culture of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda, highlighting what works well within the organization while identifying areas for improvement. 

This year’s results identified three shared values between what participants observe within the current culture and those they desire within the organization: accountability, faith and community involvement. Accountability and faith were also identified as common personal values. Each of The Salvation Army’s territorial core values—hope, service, stewardship and dignity—were also identified in the current and desired culture. This provides insight into how our core values are being lived and experienced across the territory.

Taking time to regularly check in on the values present in the organization ensures that the operations of The Salvation Army not only reflect the people and beliefs within it, but guide decisions and policies at every level.

The survey results have been analyzed for the territory, territorial headquarters and each division. Below are the top 10 values selected by survey participants for each question.

The values/behaviours that most reflect who you are, not who you desire to become. 

1. Family
2. Caring
3. Accountability
4. Faith
5. Intimacy with God
6. Integrity
7. Empathy
8. Commitment
9. Positive attitude
10. Humour/fun

The values/behaviours that, from your own experience, best describe how The Salvation Army in your context currently operates.

1. Community involvement
2. Faith
3. Hierarchy
4. Service
5. Bureaucracy
6. Caring
7. Brand image
8. Accountability
9. Mission focus
10. Tradition

The values/behaviours that you believe are essential for The Salvation Army in your context to reach its highest potential.

1. Accountability
2. Adaptability
3. Intimacy with God
4. Community involvement
5. Faith
6. Continuous improvement
7. Coaching/mentoring
8. Transparency
9. Diversity
10. Leading by example

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