UNCOVERING CORPORATE VALUES: ANALYSING DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS MALAYSIAN LISTED COMPANIES

Abstract

If a business lacks clear core values, its corporate identity and culture may weaken, leading to poor decisions, disengaged employees, and reduced performance. This study aims to examine the core values of Malaysian listed companies by analysing 140 firms using data from annual reports and company websites. Core values were measured following Bourne et al. (2019), which classify values into four categories: efficiency, character, interpersonality, and community. Keywords from company value statements were collected and categorized, with the highest score indicating the company’s primary emphasis. The findings reveal that industries differ in the values they prioritize, reflecting their operational needs and strategic objectives. For example, sectors driven by customer relationships highlight interpersonality and community, while capital-intensive or regulated industries focus less on such values. These findings demonstrate how industry factors influence how businesses articulate and convey their priorities. Investors, regulators, and legislators can assess long-term orientation, cultural strength, and possible threats more effectively when they are aware of these trends. Companies or industries that neglect essential values may encounter reputational difficulties, diminished investor confidence, and reduced adaptability in a market that increasingly favours value-oriented tactics.