Compare the three levels of moral development.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

At the lowest level of moral development (preconventional), self-interest motivates behavior to meet one's own needs and to gain rewards while following rules and being obedient to authority to avoid punishment.

At the second level (conventional), living up to the expectations of acceptable behavior defined by others motivates behavior to fulfill duties and obligations. It is common for followers to copy the behavior of the leaders and group. If the group (this could be society, an organization, or a department) accepts lying, cheating, and stealing when dealing with customers, suppliers, the government, or competitors, so will the individual. On the other hand, if these behaviors are not accepted, the individual will not do them either. Peer pressure is used to enforce group norms.

At the highest level (postconventional), behavior is motivated by universal principles of right and wrong, regardless of the expectations of the leader or group. One seeks to balance the concerns for self with those of others and the common good. At the risk of social rejection, economic loss, and physical punishment, the individual will follow ethical principles even if they violate the law.