A Human Resource Development Program to Foster Individual Moral Development in Indian Corporations: Aligning Corporate Governance with Natural Law

Abstract

Introduction The problem of corruption can be approached from each of three sets of factors that influence ethical behavior in organizations – individual characteristics, organizational factors, and opportunity. This paper empha- sizes individual characteristics – in particular, development of the con- sciousness of the individual, including the individual’s level of moral development. We review these stages of moral development, as identified by psychological research. At pre-conventional stages individuals are tempted by opportunities for personal gain. In conventional stages, indi- viduals may go along with corruption to fit in with the norms of their social group. At post-conventional stages individuals have the independ- ence of character to resist corruption and to act according to what they hold to be universal principles of right and wrong. We describe a highest state of moral development – a natural law orientation – in which indi- viduals spontaneously act to promote the general good. Natural-Law Based Management is presented as an approach that employs techniques to cul- tivate individual development in the direction of a natural law orientation. The Maharishi Corporate Development Program has applied this approach in numerous corporate settings in India and around the world to improve the overall effectiveness, well-being, and right action of managers and employees.