This study contributes to the empirical research on personal values theory within organizational settings. Through a case study of a group of scientists from China’s national research institution of agricultural sciences, this research examines the association between individuals’ value orientations of egoism, altruism, and the biosphere and their disciplinary backgrounds. According to the results of a questionnaire-based survey conducted among 678 scientists working within the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), this study reveals a strong awareness of and concern for social values related to sustainability. It also shows that disciplinary background impacts individuals’ value orientation. Compared to natural scientists, social scientists at CAAS demonstrate a lower level of value orientation towards altruism and biosphere. The findings advocate moving away from simplistic messages that aim to promote employees’ pro-environmental behavior or from studies that focus solely on a narrow range of experiential factors. It concludes by emphasizing that sustainability transition efforts can promote the corporate greening process through a variety of managerial measures.

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