Moral development within the doctoral system

Abstract

Beginning with a review of moral development research, we elaborate our moral compass framework (MCF) for professional integrity, through examination of doctoral work scenarios. Resolution of wicked problems depends upon both individual and collective morality, with decision-makers mindful of a range of possible perspectives. Ways of coping with conflicting principles and reaching resolution are our focus. Interactions between collective morality (a key construct in multi-level systems like doctoral education), and individual morality, and the use of moral advocacy and moral mediation, are presented as a mechanism. Moral development occurs as participants learn to acknowledge conflict, embrace uncertainty, respect other views and seek resolution that maximises gains on all dimensions and levels. Our MCF incorporates professional moral development of PhD candidates, but also of the PhD system more broadly, and its members. Utilising insights from our doctoral journey research that reveal the complexity of decisions faced by doctoral candidates and supervisors, we present four illustrative PhD scenarios. The scenarios raise specific questions about decisions by supervisors and academic managers, but also point to big-picture issues like quality, consistency, equity and integrity (for candidates, supervisors and the system). One example is the impact of relentless pressure on people in systems operating under stringent performance measures, with survival dependent upon such measures. Such complexities produce ‘wicked’ problems, with serious ramifications for supervisory practice, university decision-making by academic managers, policy development by national funding agencies and actions of PhD candidates. Finally, we provide a set of proposals for change within the doctoral system.