Kohlbergs Theory

Is there a probability that childrens views on moral issues change with age according to predictable stages?
(Are there universal stages in the development of moral values?)

Levels and stages

Level 1 PREMORAL (<7) Stage 1 Punishment and obedience orientation Stage 2 Nave instrumental hedonism Level 2 Morality of CONVENTIONAL role-conformity (7 - 13) Stage 3 Good-boy morality (good relations with others, approval) Stage 4 Authority maintaining morality (legitimate authorities) Level 3 POST-CONVENTIONAL Morality Stage 5 Morality of individual, democratic rights Stage 6 Morality of individual principles, conscience

Stage 1 - punishment
I will not cheat because it might lead to F-grade. I will not steal the book because I might be caught and punished. I will not give the torn note because my parents will scold me. Heinz should not let his wife die because if you let your wife die you will get into trouble.

Stage 2 - reward
I will steal the book because I have to pass! I will steal the book as it will be a great experience! I will steal the book and my friends will come to know how smart I am! I will cheat in the exam because passing is important I will give the torn note: itll be good fun to pass it off!! I will keep the note in my room and make some decorative design with it!! I just dont like torn notes: I will tear it off completely and not think of using it! I will give the note to Gopals and add salt to his sweetness!!!!

Stage 3 good-boy
I will not steal the book because if caught I will be embarrassed in front of my friends
I will not give the torn note because if caught I will be embarrassed

I will not cheat; if caught my peers will think bad about me

Stage 4 authority
I will not cheat because college authorities dont allow cheating I will not steal the book because library is for issuing books

Stage 5 individual, democratic rights

I will steal the book as nobody can get it issued at that time; (and I will return it the next day) I will not give the note as it is torn by me and nobody else should suffer I will give the note because Gopals also loots people I will give the note because it will make no difference to Gopals

Stage 6 conscience!!

I will not do it because it is wrong.

Whistle-blowing
The act by an employee of informing the public or higher management of unethical or illegal behaviour by an employer or supervisor.

Types
Internal vs External Internal Whistleblowing: occurs when an employee goes over the head of an immediate supervisor to report a problem to a higher level of management. External Whistleblowing: occurs when an employee goes outside the company and reports wrongdoing to media or police etc.

Types
Acknowledged vs Anonymous Anonymous whistleblowing: occurs when the employee who is blowing the whistle does not divulge his/ her name. Acknowledged: occurs when the employee puts his/ her name behind the accusations (and is willing to withstand the scrutiny).

When to blow the whistle?

Criteria to be considered to decide whether to blow the whistle or not: Need Proximity Capability Last resort

Need
Blow the whistle only when a clear and important harm can be avoided. Whistle should be blown about a serious thing and not for trivial or small issues. A series of small issues may however warrant whistle-blowing. E.g. One toxic spill from a company into a nearby river can be ignored. A toxic spill every week that the company does not care to rectify might warrant the whistle to be blown.

Proximity
The whistleblower must be in a very clear position to blow the whistle. Firsthand knowledge is essential and just hearsay is not adequate. The whistle-blower must have enough expertise in the area to make a realistic assessment of the situation.

Capability
The whistle-blower must have a reasonable chance of success in stopping the harmful activity. Must have access to proper channels to ensure that the situation is resolved. Otherwise, why risk your job and the financial security of your family??

Last resort
Whistle-blowing should be attempted only if there is no one else more capable or more proximate to blow the whistle and if you feel that all other lines of action have been explored and shut off.

Preventing whistle-blowing
Strong ethics culture Clear lines of communication Access to higher-level managers (and a trend of being rewarded instead of being punished for trying to prevent wrongdoing)

Organizational Values
The term Organizational values stands for the values pursued and promoted by the organization as a whole. Examples of organizational values include innovation, quality-consciousness etc. These values are reflected in the goals an organization sets for itself.

Attitudes to work
At the first, most basic level: work is done to earn a livelihood (to fulfil our economic needs and materialistic ambitions) At the second (higher) level: work is a means for gaining social prestige, esteem, status and authority; and for gaining position in society. At the third (highest) level: work is a means for actualizing our potentials, and to use our talents and skills productively.