The effects of gender on the Ethical Decision-making of Teachers, Doctors and Lawyers

Abstract

The article presents the statistical findings of a study that investigated the effects of gender on the ethical decision-making of professionals. Ethical dilemmas were presented to 1,809 teachers, doctors and lawyers in the form of a questionnaire. The individuals were asked to choose a course of action and provide reasons for their choice. What was of particular interest was how the professionals prioritised different moral theories in their decision-making; namely, whether the reasons they gave were deontological, consequential or virtue ethical in nature. The findings are significant for those seeking to revise and improve professional ethical education and practice.