The Reactions of Bahir Dar University Students to Moral Dilemmas Related to Corruption: A Reconceptualization

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine moral reasoning related to corruption. Data were obtained from 350 randomly selected Bahir Dar University students (175 males and 175 females) using moral reasoning questionnaire. Using Kohlberg‟s theory of moral development and Gilligan‟s moral orientation model, the moral reasoning questionnaire was scored for moral stage and moral orientation. Results in analysis of variance indicated that the older age group (22-year-olds) had a significantly higher stage of moral reasoning than the younger age group (20-year-olds) in responding to moral dilemma about issues of corruption. The Chi-square analysis however revealed that there was no significant age group difference in moral orientation. Furthermore, there was no gender difference in stage of moral reasoning and moral orientation. The results of the present study seemed to suggest that the development of psychological intervention programs and commitments is urgently needed to combat corruption.