Instrumental and value-rational action

Instrumental action is like using tools to get something done. For example, when you use a hammer to build something, that's using instrumental action. The hammer is a tool to help you do the job.
Value-rational action is doing something because you think it is right or important. For example, you might vote in an election because you think it's important to make your voice heard. You're not necessarily getting anything directly from voting, but you think it is the right thing to do.