Linssen is one of the lead trainers of the ‘Housing Values’ course. The idea for the course was sparked by Woonkr8, a partnership of housing associations in the Arnhem-Nijmegen region. For its programming and implementation, the Radboud University's umbrella centre for lifelong learning, and HAN University of Applied Sciences united their expertise.
Relationships, challenges, interdependencies
The course guides participants to gain insights into the core values of both themselves and their housing associations. And to adjust them, if necessary, in the light of contemporary societal situations. This makes it easier to understand the motivations of external network partners and to recognise clashing values. Several issues are addressed to achieve these goals, with a focus on the moral compass and on the relationship between housing and other societal domains. "We pay attention to the interdependency of our work and to serving societal interests; how other sectors are involved and how we relate to each other," says Marc Jansen, one of the initiators of the course and director of the Valburg housing foundation. The programme concludes with a synthesis between the core values of the participants and the housing associations and the societal challenges surrounding housing. Not only those of today, but also of tomorrow.
A triangular approach
The course places equal emphasis on research, knowledge-sharing and the work field. Representatives from the banking sector, the government, property development and tenants' associations are invited for a dialogue. "This is based on the idea of talking not only about but especially with cooperation partners. The emphasis here is on being open to the other person's different perspective and on thinking together. The outcome is greater mutual understanding," explains moderator Karin Bongers. The developments visible in various sectors of society create dynamics that are both interesting and challenging for all of us. Participant Carly Jansen, director of the Mooiland housing association, explains: "The practical tools we were given are useful in, for example, daily conversation, as well as in reflecting on both my personal functioning and my managerial role and in shaping our new strategic direction."
The importance of values
Because of the urgency of societal problems, it is sometimes challenging to look beyond short-term interests. But it is all the more important to reflect on underlying values. In fact, we often hardly realise the complexity, explains Linssen. For example, values can clash with each other—in fact, values are hardly ever unambiguous. Marc Jansen explains that personal values do, of course, exist: such as freedom of choice, compassion or courage, each of which are fleshed out based on your personal background. However, your own take on such a value may be different from that in your role as a director and partner in a network. "Engaging in dialogue is important here," Jansen explains, "because then you talk about the meaning that you, as a conversation partner, give to a value and find out why someone finds something of value or not." Then, by deriving norms from your preferred (core) values, you can determine more specifically what social housing should involve. Carly Jansen adds that having a moral compass and frequent ethical self-reflection on your work within a housing association seems indispensable to her. "You are making decisions that can directly or indirectly have a major impact on someone's life. You have to be aware of that when you take on final responsibility for a housing association and you must also dare to be critically questioned about it."
Want to explore your own core values, too?
The ’Housing Values’ course connects academic insights from different disciplines with the work field. Does the subject matter appeal to you or are you facing other societal challenges involving values? Then please contact us.