A number of factors influence a manager's ability to make ethical decisions. Individuals bring specific personality and behavioral traits to the job. Personal needs, family influence, and religious background all shape a manager's value system. Specific personality characteristics, such as ego strength, self-confidence, and a strong sense of independence, may enable managers to make ethical choices despite personal risks.
One important personal trait is the stage of moral development. A simplified version of one model of personal moral development is shown in Exhibit 5.2