Having previously written about the stages of human moral development and the particular challenges encountered in formulating moral judgments in companies, organizations and other collectives, in this third article in the thematic of moral development I will address ways in which we can support the moral autonomy of individuals and groups.
According to Kohlberg, at the postconventional/ autonomous level of morality one has transcended utilitarian obedience to social pressures and the dictates of the legal order. One’s moral judgment has been established within universally recognized and accepted values and ideals, which guide one’s behavior. The process of broadening one’s systemic perspective is directly dependent on the parallel or integrated development of intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, without which moral autonomy is rather unattainable.
It is self-leadership perhaps more than any other skill that gives the individual the greatest impetus towards moral autonomy.
Self-leadership as a skill is particularly well developed in people who are described as conscientious. It can be likened to a blend of intrapersonal skills:
- self-awareness
- self-regulation
- self-knowledge
- self-confidence
- self-motivation
Observing oneself as objectively as possible, timely self-control, awareness and acknowledgment of one’s personal characteristics (strengths, talents and virtues, as well as weaknesses) and believing in them can be a consistent source of motivation for the development of moral attitudes and lead to a healthy perception of and connection with others, assisting with the strengthening of other interpersonal skills such as:
- empathy
- Interest
- social knowledge
- social influence
- communication and self-presentation
Evidently therefore by building a healthy relationship with oneself and with others, both cognitively and emotionally, the individual is able to connect his/ her daily experience with the experience of those around him/ her, discern and recognize the common and timeless truths that govern his/ her own life as well as any other, and think, judge and act in light of them.