Scrum is based on a set of fundamental values. These values are the bedrock on which Scrum’s practices rest.
“Agile Software Development with Scrum” (p. 147)
Introduction by Gunther Verheyen – independent Scrum Caretaker
The Scrum Values were first described by Ken Schwaber and Mike Beedle in their book “Agile Software Development with Scrum” (Prentice Hall, 2002 – chapter 9, p. 147). They describe the Scrum Values as ‘qualities’ that they found that people using Scrum display: Commitment, Focus, Openness, Respect, and Courage.
Towards the end of 2012, an attendant of one of my Professional Scrum classes (a candidate-trainer actually) asked me about the relevance of the Scrum Values. I realized that they had indeed over time faded, although I did personally consider them important. I checked in with Ken Schwaber and he agreed: still the bedrock despite having disappeared from the radar.
It was clear that there was value in the Scrum Values and in describing them. So, that is what I did on my website. I then also added that description to my book “Scrum – A Pocket Guide” (Van Haren Publishing, 2013). In 2016 they were added to the Scrum Guide. In 2018-2019 members from the global Scrum communities translated my description in 20+ languages.
Since 2012 I have only slightly evolved the words that describe the Scrum Values, like when creating the second and third edition of my pocket guide to Scrum (2019 and 2021). I am honoured and humbled for the continued appreciation of my description.
I gladly share them, and all translations, on this website that I dedicated to the Scrum Values.
Keep learning,
Keep improving,
Keep…Scrumming.
Gunther Verheyen
independent Scrum Caretaker
The Scrum Values 