A study of the relationship between personal values and moral reasoning of undergraduate business students

This study examines values and value types as well as scores in levels of moral reasoning for students enrolled in a business program. These two factors are measured using the Schwartz Personal Values Questionnaire and the Defining Issues Test 2. No statistically significant differences in levels of moral reasoning, rankings of values, and value types could be attributed to gender. However, eight significant correlations between value types and levels of moral reasoning provide evidence that a systematic relationship exists. The relationships are not only internally consistent but also consistent with the model of values based on motivational goals (Schwartz S. H. and K. Boenke: 2004, Journal of Research in Personality, 38 230-255).