At the Atena 2025 online conference organised by University of Rzeszow, Dominik Gęgotek and Agnieszka Ziora presented a paper entitled Values Presented in Mission Statements of Technological Companies Connected with Open Source Software. This conference presentation explored how values are expressed in the mission statements of three technology companies closely associated with open source software: Red Hat, Mozilla, and Oracle. The primary aim of the research was to identify the dominant values present in these mission statements, examine similarities and differences among them, and interpret the deeper meanings behind the values articulated. The study was based on one of the most well-known classification systems, the Schwartz Value Categorisation System (Schwartz, 2012), which provides a structured approach to analysing value orientations.

The research combined both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The practical analysis included an overview of statistical and contextual information about the three selected companies, followed by detailed case studies of their mission statements. Linguistic analysis was used to uncover recurring patterns, key terms, and rhetorical strategies employed to convey corporate values.

The findings highlight both shared and contrasting value priorities among Red Hat, Mozilla, and Oracle, reflecting their differing approaches to open source engagement and corporate policy. The most popular values found in mission statements were from the self-transcendance category, which focuses on helping and assisting other people from the community. The conclusions emphasize how mission statements can serve as a window into a company’s broader philosophy and strategic direction.

References:

Schwartz, S. H. (2012). An Overview of the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values. Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.9707/2307-0919.1116