YOU THINK LIKE A
Your scores for each of these moral perspectives are:
AND, AT WORK YOU THINK LIKE A
Your scores for each of these moral perspectives are:
What percentage of people have a different MoralDNA type at work and why?
About xx% of people have a different MoralDNA type at work. For most of these the difference occurs because compliance, controls and processes at work make us pay more attention to Rules in decision-making, but less consideration of outcomes for People. This robotic compliance we call the “fear factor” at work, because instead of doing the right thing for other People, we do the right thing because we fear the consequences of not obeying the Rules. “Conformity theory” suggests that when doing the right thing is dominated by a culture of compliance with Rules at the expense of good outcomes for People, this leads to moral breakdown. Totalitarian and autocratic states are clear examples of this occurring at the national level.
“When people go to work, they shouldn’t have to leave their hearts at home.”
Betty Bender
How do I use my profile to be a better person both in my personal and in my professional life?
The theory of moral development developed initially by Lawrence Kohlberg at Harvard University in 1981 suggests that we mature from the moral infancy of obeying Rules to the moral maturity of making our own judgements based on moral Values. His student Carol Gilligan added to this theory by demonstrating the importance of the ethic of care for People in our decision-making.
When making good decisions and doing the right thing, we strongly suggest that
1. We respect good simple Rules that keep us and our communities safe, but also
2. Recognize the importance of making good judgements based on moral Values like fairness, wisdom and humility, as well as
3. Care deeply about the impact of our actions on other People.
We also recommend that instead of simply obeying orders, we debate honestly and openly the difficult choices we face with our families, friends and work colleagues.
The six MoralDNA personality types
Angels believe that being good to others is the most important moral perspective. They think the world would be a better place if we were all a little less selfish and considered the consequences of our actions on others. Then they’ll consider moral values like fairness and courage and ask, “what would build trust and respect?” Finally, and reluctantly, they’ll consider rules, laws and regulations. Angels do what’s right for others because it’s in their nature. They don’t have to be told!
About 18% of people are Angels.
Strengths: Caring people and great to have as friends.
Weaknesses: Will break rules if they believe a higher principle is at stake. May sometimes give people the benefit of the doubt rather than stand up for a principle.
Governor are the people we rely on to make sure that everyone obeys the rules. They help to stop crooks and cheats, and of course ourselves from doing the wrong thing. They’ll look up rule 3, sub-section 7 to tell us what’s right. If the rules don’t tell us what’s right, then they’ll think of the principle or spirit behind it. Finally, they might remember that everyone is human and fallible and if you’re lucky, might let you off with a warning not to do it again.
About 15% of people are Governors.
Strengths: Reminds everyone to do their duty.
Weaknesses: May appear cold and aloof and seem to lack empathy for others. May sometimes forget that it’s the principle that counts, not the letter of the law.
Guardians believe that doing as we’re told and following the letter of the law is best for all of us. They’re like parents in that they really do care about other people, because you have to do as you’re told for your own sake. They protect us from ourselves as well as others. They will also consider moral values but believe that life would be so much better for everyone if people just did as they were told. Guardians are protectors, but they can also be patronizing!
About 17% of people are Guardians.
Strengths: Protectors who will tell us off for our own sake.
Weaknesses: May fail to consider important values such as freedom and trust. Will sometimes fail to consider other people’s feelings.
Judges believe that moral values, or “virtue” is the most important ethical perspective. They ask, “What would be the fair thing to do?” Then they’ll make sure that rules, laws and contracts have been complied with, although they’ll sometimes “interpret” a rule differently to be consistent with their values. Finally, they’ll consider the human dimension and the impact of their decisions on other people. Judges are stubborn but good to have around when the going gets tough.
About 15% of people are Judges.
Strengths: Good at solving really challenging dilemmas.
Weaknesses: Could lack empathy with others in making tough decisions. May sometimes bend the rules if they believe a higher principle is at stake.
Philosophers believe that moral values like fairness, wisdom and courage are the most important ethical perspective. Then they’ll consider the consequences of their decisions for other people. Finally, they’ll consider rules, laws and regulations. Philosophers hate being told what to do or what’s right. They’re mavericks and rebels, but good to have around when really difficult decisions have to be made.
About 17% of people are Philosophers.
Strengths: Good at solving difficult or complex dilemmas that require judgements based on values.
Weaknesses: Will break rules if they believe a higher principle is at stake. May sometimes lack empathy for others in making rational decisions.
Teachers believe that doing what’s right for humanity is the right thing to do. They put others first and have no hesitation in telling us to do the same, because for Teachers, rules and order are also important. Finally, they will consider moral principles, but only if they face conflicting interests between other people and the rules of the game. Teachers are good people who think of others first and are good to have around as long as you do as you’re told!
About 18% of people are Teachers.
Strengths: Caring people, you can rely on to do what’s right.
Weaknesses: Could fail to consider deeper moral principles and can decide to break the rules if they think they know best, which is most of the time!
MoralDNA® for Business
If you are an employer or intend to use MoralDNA® for professional or commercial purposes, you may take the free PERSONAL PROFILE to evaluate MoralDNA®, but we ask you then to contact us to get details of our commercial licences.
From your answers you will get the commercial report that will show you:
- As in the personal version you will get your breakdown of the 3 ethics, Rules, People and Values
- In additional to the personal profile you will see an additional breakdown of the 10 personality types
For more details please use the form to contact us.
You can read more about our Privacy Policy and how we treat your information here
Created in 2008, MoralDNA® is a world-wide research initiative led by Professor Roger Steare, The Corporate Philosopher, in partnership with Pavlos Stampoulidis, Director of Psycholate. We’ve put lots in place to ensure your privacy and peace of mind so do read our full Privacy Policy.
The MoralDNA Profile will always be free for personal use.
Why not benefit your whole organisation? Get in touch about licensing and some exciting added extras!