Abstract
This study examines the moral reasoning of executives in postgraduate education at the Universidad Externado de Colombia, focusing on their moral development stage and moral judgment competence. Framed within Cognitive Moral Development (CMD) theory, it explores the influence of hierarchical level and functional area on moral reasoning. The research addresses a critical gap in business ethics education, emphasizing the absence of structured moral training for executives and the pressing need for ethical self-regulation in corporate leadership. Using the Moral Judgment Test (MJT), data from 554 postgraduate students were analyzed to assess their moral reasoning patterns. Findings indicate that 60% of participants operate at post-conventional moral stages, yet higher-ranking executives exhibit lower engagement with ethical reasoning compared to middle and operational management. The study also reveals no significant statistical difference between hierarchical levels and moral judgment competence, challenging conventional assumptions about ethical leadership. The results underscore the necessity of incorporating ethical training into business education, advocating for participative decision-making models that foster moral growth. Additionally, the study highlights the potential role of organizational democracy in enhancing ethical reasoning. These insights contribute to the broader discourse on moral development in corporate leadership and inform strategies for strengthening ethical business practices.
Presenters
Alejandro Boada OrtizStudent, Director Innovation and Sustainability Centre, Universidad Externado de Colombia , Cundinamarca, Colombia Jimmy Fernando Vallejo Hernandez
Researcher , Business School, Externado University of Colombia, Distrito Capital de Bogotá, Colombia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Ethical Leadership, Moral Development, Functional Diversity, Hierarchical Influence, Cultural Variations
