Between principle and practice: Value patterns and negotiation strategies among journalists

Journalistic work is shaped not only by institutional and news values but also by journalists’ broader personal value orientations. This study examines how Austrian journalists interpret, negotiate, and prioritize universal values in practice. Drawing on Schwartz’s Theory of basic human values and Negotiative Theory, it combines qualitative interviews with Q-methodology to explore value patterns and how journalists navigate tensions between personal and institutional values. The analysis reveals differentiated value hierarchies and reflective strategies used to manage external pressures. The study deepens understanding of journalistic identity, decision-making, and the evolving role of values in contemporary journalism.