What does Kohlberg's moral development model help to understand?

Kohlberg's moral development model is primarily focused on understanding the evolution of moral reasoning. This model, developed by psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg, outlines how individuals progress through different stages of moral reasoning as they develop their ethical understanding and decision-making abilities. The stages reflect the maturation of moral thought, moving from a self-centered view of morality to one that considers social contracts and universal ethical principles.

The model is valuable in various contexts, including education, psychology, and, importantly, management, as it helps leaders and organizations understand how individuals justify their ethical choices and the factors that influence those choices at different developmental stages. This understanding can inform training and policy decisions to foster ethical behavior within organizations.