Normative Ethical Theories and Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Introduction to Normative Ethical Theories

  • Normative Ethics: Attempts to provide guidelines on how people should live and act, focusing on determining what is right and wrong.
  • Consists of general rules or principles for ethical decision-making in various situations.

Types of Normative Ethical Theories

  1. Virtue Theory
    • Focus on the moral character of the individual performing the action.
    • Essential character traits include courage, generosity, and compassion.
    • Principles include:
    1. An action by a virtuous person is right.
    2. A virtuous person acts virtuously.
    3. Virtue is essential for sound living.
  2. Deontological Theory (Deontology)
    • Focuses on the morality of actions themselves rather than their consequences.
    • Emphasizes conscientiousness and adherence to a set of moral rules irrespective of outcomes.
    • Certain acts are deemed intrinsically good or bad, such as the Ten Commandments.
  3. Consequentialist Theory
    • Morality is judged solely by the outcomes or consequences of actions.
    • Hedonism: Actions are good if they maximize pleasure or minimize pain.
    • Utilitarianism: Advocates for actions that produce the greatest good for the greatest number.

Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

  • Developed by psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg, outlining levels of moral reasoning:

Level 1 – Preconventional Morality

  • Focus on direct consequences of actions.
    1. Stage 1: Obedience Orientation: Avoiding punishment. Actions are seen as wrong if they lead to punishment.
    2. Stage 2: Self-Interest Orientation: Right actions are those that serve one's personal interests.

Level 2 – Conventional Morality

  • Morality is based on societal norms and the desire for social approval.
    1. Stage 3: Good Boy/Nice Girl Orientation: Actions are evaluated based on pleasing others.
    2. Stage 4: Law and Order Orientation: Emphasis on obeying laws and rules for social order.

Level 3 – Postconventional Morality

  • Recognition that laws may be unjust and individual ethical standards may need to be followed.
    1. Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation: Laws should ensure common good; rules may be altered for fairness.
    2. Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles Orientation: Morality is based on abstract principles of justice, equality, and respect.

Divine Command Ethics

  • A moral theory that ties ethical behavior to religious principles.
  • Based on moral absolutism, suggesting morality is derived from divine commands.
  • Key aspects include:
    • Goodness: God is the ultimate source of goodness and morality.
    • Immutability: God's moral commands are unchanging and reliable.
    • Mercy: God's loving nature allows forgiveness and compassion towards humanity.
    • Omniscience: God’s all-knowing character ensures moral law's validity.
    • Holiness: God is distinct in purity and integrity compared to mankind.
    • Love: God's love is fundamental, rooted in His nature.

Application in Business

  • Divine command ethics can facilitate strong interpersonal relationships within a business context.
  • Encourages honesty and integrity among employees, fostering a culture aimed at solving issues collaboratively to avoid losses.

Conclusion

  • Understanding and applying these normative ethical theories enables better decision-making in business contexts.
  • Ethical frameworks guide behavior and interactions, contributing to a more just and equitable working environment.