Applied Business Ethics
davidtrann.89
book.pptxLevel 1: Preconventional Morality 0-9 years
Stage 1 - Obedience and Punishment Especially common in young children, but adults are capable of expressing this type of reasoning. At this stage, children see rules as fixed and absolute.
Obeys rules in order to avoid punishment
Determines a sense of right and wrong by what is punished and what is not punished
Obeys superior authority and allows that authority to make the rules, especially if that authority has the power to inflict pain
Is responsive to rules that will affect his/her physical well-being
Stage 2 – Naively egotistical At this stage of moral development, children account for individual points of view and judge actions based on how they serve individual needs. Reciprocity is possible, but only if it serves one's own interests.
Is motivated by vengeance or “an eye for an eye” philosophy
Is self-absorbed while assuming that he/she is generous
Believes in equal sharing in that everyone gets the same, regardless of need
Believes that the end justifies the means
Will do a favor only to get a favor
Expects to be rewarded for every non-selfish deed he/she does
Level 2: Conventional Morality 10-15 years
Stage 3 - "good boy-good girl" orientation, This stage of moral development is focused on living up to social expectations and roles. There is an emphasis on conformity, being "nice," and consideration of how choices influence relationships.
Finds peer approval very important
Feels that intensions are as important as deeds and expects others to accept intentions or promises in place of deeds
Begins to put himself/herself in another’s shoes and think from another perspective
Stage 4 – Law and Social Order At this stage of moral development, people begin to consider society as a whole when making judgments. The focus is on maintaining law and order by following the rules, doing one’s duty, and respecting authority. Is a duty doer who believes in rigid rules that should not be changed
Respects authority and obeys it without question
Supports the rights of the majority without concern for those in the minority
Is part of about 80% of the population that does not progress past stage 4
Level 3: Postconventional Morality – 16+
Stage 5 - Legalistic Social Contract At this stage, people begin to account for the differing values, opinions, and beliefs of other people. Rules of law are important for maintaining a society, but members of the society should agree upon these standards.
Is motivated by the belief in the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people
Believes in consensus (everyone agrees), rather than in majority rule
Respects the rights of the minority especially the rights of the individual
Believes that change in the law is possible but only through the system
Stage 6 – Universal ethical Principles Kolhberg’s final level of moral reasoning is based upon universal ethical principles and abstract reasoning. At this stage, people follow these internalized principles of justice, even if they conflict with laws and rules.
Believes that there are high moral principles than those represented by social rules and customs
Is willing to accept the consequences for disobedience of the social rule he/she has rejected
Believes that the dignity of humanity is sacred and that all humans have value
