Beyond Academics: A Holistic Examination of Values Among Business Students Post-Pandemic

This study investigates the nuanced impact of the post-pandemic educational environment on the values of Business department students in a private women's university in Tokyo, Japan. The research, grounded in Schwartz's Value Theory, focuses on two cohorts: 2020 and 2022, with a particular emphasis on the 2020 cohort surveyed both before and after the pandemic. Utilizing Schwartz's Value Questionnaire, the study explores changes in personal values over time. Results reveal notable declines in various values among the 2022 cohort compared to their 2020 counterparts, encompassing dimensions of concern for others, tolerance, self-direction, stimulation, and conformity to rules. Conversely, values associated with face and power over resources exhibit insignificant yet positive changes. Within the 2020 cohort, significant reductions are observed in almost all values between their freshman and junior years, except for values related to power, tradition, and humility, which remain stable. The most substantial negative shifts are identified in self-expansion values, notably Universalism, Benevolence, Self-direction, and Stimulation. Values associated with personal and social security also experience a noticeable decrease. However, certain values, particularly tradition and humility, display resilience, remaining stable across different cohorts and years. Remarkably, the most significant negative change across all years and cohorts is observed in the value of self-direction of action, particularly evident in students who were freshmen in 2020 and surveyed during their junior year. This study contributes to our understanding of the evolving values of students in a post-pandemic academic landscape, emphasizing both significant declines and stable aspects within personal value systems. The findings provide insights for educational institutions seeking to support students' well-being and personal development in the midst of ongoing societal changes.