Definitions of Ethics, Norma, Values and Beliefs. Kohlberg's theory of Ethical Judgement.

1. ASSIGNMENT # A 641 (CM)
Course: 50421618 (Indian Management Practices)
Topic: Define Ethics, norms, values and beliefs. Explain
Kohlberg's theory of Ethical Judgment
Roll No: 489

2. Ethics
Ethics is the science of morals; it is that branch of philosophy that
deals with human character and conduct. It is treaties on morals
distinguished between right and wrong. The ethical conduct confirs
with what a group or a society considers “right behavior”. It is a set
of moral choices, rules and codes of conduct that governs behavior.
Theoretical ethics, sometimes called normative ethics, is about
discovering and delineating right from wrong; it is the consideration
of how we develop the rules and principles (or norms) used to judge
and guide meaningful decision-making. Theoretical ethics is
supremely intellectual in character, and, being a branch of
philosophy, is also rational in nature. Theoretical ethics is the
rational reflection on what is right, what is wrong, what is just, what
is unjust, what is good, and what is bad in terms of human behavior.
Business ethics (also corporate ethics) is a form of applied ethics or
professional ethics that examines ethical principles and moral or
ethical problems that arise in a business environment. It applies to
all aspects of business conduct and is relevant to the conduct of
individuals and entire organizations.
Norms
Norms are expectation of proper behavior not the requirement of
that behavior. Norms are the ways an individual expects all the
people to act in a given situation. They are inconsistent and
universal. Norms are not published, may not be obeyed and cannot
be enforced except by sanctions of a group who use penalties as
disapproval or exclusion.

3. Norms are informal guidelines abut what is considered normal (what
is correct or incorrect) social behavior in a particular group or social
unit. Norms form the basis of collective expectations that members
of a community have from each other, and play a key part in social
control and social order by exerting a pressure on the individual to
conform.
Values
Values are collective representations of what constitutes a good life
or a good society. For e.g. health, self respect, tolerance, freedom
etc. values is a term referring to things that people consider good or
bad, right or wrong, desirable etc. Values are the potent source of
conflict and cooperation.
Values are important and lasting beliefs or ideals shared by the
members of a culture about what is good or bad and desirable or
undesirable. Values have major influence on a person’s behavior
and attitude and serve as broad guidelines in all situations.
Belief
Beliefs in an ethical code are standards of thought. Beliefs are
criteria of abstract thought that does not necessarily evoke action. It
may instigate or forces certain quest in the environment that coheres
one to behave in a certain manner.
Beliefs are among the most primitive and central of mental
constructs, and yet there is little agreement as to what they are or
how they should be construed. They are basic to our understanding
of a wide range of central phenomena in modern psychology. For
example our beliefs are key components of our personalities and
senses of identity, and our expressions of beliefs often define us to

4. Others. Many of our reactions to others are based on our beliefs and
our perceptions of theirs, and it is impossible to understand racism,
prejudice, religious and national conflicts without considering
disagreement in basic belief systems.
Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Judgment.
Lawrence Kohlberg developed a theory describing the development
or moral judgment based on concepts of objectivity, justice, and
fairness. His research originally was focused on boys aged ten to
sixteen, and was later refined and revised. His theory illustrates the
development of moral judgment proceeding through three levels,
each with two stages.
Pre-conventional Level
At the pre-conventional level, a child responds to cultural rules and
labels of good or bad, right or wrong, based upon the consequences
of the behavior such as reward or punishment, and the power of the
person who expresses the rules.
STAGE 1: Punishment Obedience Orientation.
 Avoidance of punishment and deference to power are valued
and the physical consequences of action determine its goodness
or badness.
 Example: It would be bad for me to take my friend's toy
because the teacher will punish me.

5. STAGE 2: Instrumental-Relativist Orientation
 Satisfaction of one’s own needs and occasionally the needs of
others determine actions. Elements of fairness, sharing and
reciprocity are understood in the context of self-satisfaction
rather than being based on concepts of loyalty or justice.
 Example: If Katy is nice to me, I'll be nice to her, but if she is
mean to me, I won't feel bad about being mean too.
Conventional Level
At the conventional level, living up to the expectations of one’s
family, group or nation is a primary value. The individual identifies
with the group, conforms to its expectations, and actively supports
and maintains the group’s expectations.
STAGE 3: Interpersonal Concordance Orientation.
 Behavior is shaped by what receives approval from others, and
there is much conformity to stereotypical images of what is the
majority behavior. Good intentions also earn favor.
 Example: I better not drink and drive because my friends will
think less of me and I, in turn, will think less of myself.
STAGE 4: Law and Order Orientation.
 Good behavior is determined by an attitude of doing one’s
duty, showing respect for authority, and maintaining the social
order for its own sake.

6.  Example: I am personally against the war, but would never
publicly protest it on campus without the administration's
permission.
Post conventional, Autonomous, or Principled Level.
This level is characterized by the definition of moral values
based on acceptance of the values and principles as having
justifiable social validity rather than because the individual
identifies with the group or accepts authority.
STAGE 5: Social Contract. Legalistic Orientation, Generally
with Utilitarian Overtones.
 Correct behavior is defined by views of individual rights
and societal standards that have been critically examined
and agreed upon by society. The individual is aware that
there are differences in personal values and opinions, and
that the circumstances of a given situation can affect
behavioral outcomes. The individual recognizes that
laws represent a societal consensus of agreed-upon rules,
but that laws may be changed based on rational
argumentation.
 Example: It can't be right that huge corporations
sometimes pay no taxes; that law needs to be changed, so
that the burden of taxes falls more equally on everyone's
shoulders.

7. Stage 6: Universal-Ethical-Principle Orientation
 Behavior is ruled by a decision of conscience in accord
with self-chosen ethical principles. These principles are
based on universal concepts of justice, reciprocity,
equality and respect for the dignity of all human beings.
 Example: I refuse to obey a law, which treats a large
portion of the population as second-class citizens.