Moral Competence Research Articles

Clinical nurses’ moral courage and related factors: an empowerment perspective

BackgroundMoral courage as part of the moral competence of nurses has received increasing attention. Determination of the factors affecting moral courage is important in improving the quality of care. The purpose of this study was to investigate moral courage and related factors among frontline nurses from an empowerment perspective.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using data collection instruments comprising four main parts: the self-designed form of demographic characteristics, Conditions for Work Effectiveness II (CWEQ-II), Spreitzer’s Psychological Empowerment Scale (PES) and Nurses’ Moral Courage Scale (NMCS). Data were collected from 226 nurses in a tertiary hospital between February and March 2022 in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei Province in central China. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe means of the total scores for the CWEQ-II, PES and the NMCS were 3.52 (SD = 0.69), 3.85 (SD = 0.53) and 3.90 (SD = 0.67), respectively. All the dimensions and the total scores of the CWEQ-II and PES were significantly correlated with the NMCS (p < 0.001). According to the multivariate stepwise regression analysis, CWEQ-II and PES were determined to be factors affecting NMCS. These variables explained 35.9% of the total variance in the moral courage scores of nurses.ConclusionThe level of moral courage among nurses is above average. Structural empowerment and psychological empowerment were the key factors affecting the promotion of moral courage. Hospital and organizational administrations should be conscious of the role of attach structural empowerment and psychological empowerment in the nursing workplace in increasing moral courage.

The Influence of Sports Leisure Activities on the Level of Moral Competence of High School Students

Abstract Introduction: In the relationship between sports morality and the morality of everyday life, there are no relevant studies and researches to clearly demonstrate the direct connections between sports and moral behaviour. The aim of this study is to find out if there is a significant difference in the achieved level of moral competence of secondary school students - between those who engage in sports in their free time and those who do not engage in sports activities. Methods: Quantitative research methods were used in the research, and for the purposes of expressing the level of moral competence of secondary school students, we used Moral Judgment Test (MJT). The MJT test expresses an individual’s moral competence through the C-score. 181 pupils of various grades studying at secondary school took part in the research. To verify the normality of the distribution of the C-score variable, we used the Shapiro - Wilk test, and for hypothesis testing, we used the two- sample T-test to test the mean value at known mean values of the distribution. Significance levels are set at p value &lt;0.05. Results: The results of the test of significant differences for individual grades of secondary school are interpreted as the results of the analysis of the impact of sports activities on the level of moral competence. Sports leisure activities have an impact on the level of moral competence of students in the 4th grade. Discussion: The research confirmed that sports leisure activities contribute to a higher level of moral competence measured by the MJT test and expressed by the C-score value as the age of the pupils increases. Limitations: The research was limited to students of one secondary school. Conclusions: The result of the research, based on statistical testing, was the finding that leisure sports activities have an impact on the level of moral competence in upper secondary school grades.

The Impact of Online Communications on Different Users' Social, Emotional, and Moral Competence as a Potential Business Communication Tool

The Impact of Online Communications on Different Users' Social, Emotional, and Moral Competence as a Potential Business Communication Tool

The Islamic Concept of Green Organizational Leadership Model: A Preliminary Development

Previous researchers find that the existence of green organizations is very important as it not only can overcome environmental pollution but also has a positive impact on organizational management by helping to reduce costs, increasing profitability, and overcoming global competition. Hence, the need to create green organizations is becoming more critical because of the increase in worldwide environmental pollution including the air, water, and sound pollution. Fortunately, previous researchers also find that green organizational leadership is the key to create successful green organizations. However, green organizational leadership from Islamic perspective have not been discussed yet although researchers have predicted that most of the human population in the worldwide are estimated to be Muslims by the year 2070. Hence, this paper aims to develop the Islamic Concept of Green Organizational Leadership Model (ICGOLM) as a new model that can be referred to develop green organizational leaders from Islamic perspective. Using literature review, the ICGOLM hypothesized that green climate psychology mediates the relationship between Islamic concept of green organizational leadership (ICGOL) and strategic green behaviour. Additionally, the ICGOL comprises six competencies including the intellectual, professional, moral, social, emotional, and Islamic competencies. The model is beneficial to develop action plan and intervention, government policy and rules, and initiative to create successful green organization especially in Muslim countries. However, the ICGOLM model should be tested further using empirical study.

Moral Competence in Medical Students - Comparison Between First Semester and Practical Year Students

In addition to teaching theoretical and clinical-practical skills, the development of individual moral competence should be another core concern in medical school. However, research suggests that moral competence in students of human medicine stagnates or even declines during the course of medical school. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study investigated the moral competence of medical students at the beginning of their studies and during their practical year, as well as the effects of testosterone as a neurohormone on moral judgment. By means of a cross-sectional study, the moral judgment ability of 24 first-year and 16 practical year students of Hannover Medical School was recorded and evaluated with the Moral Competence Test (MCT) according to Lind. The testosterone serum level of the study participants was statistically related to the MCT results. No significant differences between first-year (mean±standard deviation (SD): 13.16±8.21) and practical year students (mean±SD: 11.24±8.07) with regard to moral competence as per the MCT were identified (p=0.36). Higher serum testosterone levels did not show a statistically significant correlation with moral competence (r=-0.09, p=0.58). Our results do not show a clear trend whether moral competence is lower in medical students in advanced semesters compared to the beginning of medical school and whether moral competence is influenced by the neurohormone testosterone. Nevertheless, it seems reasonable to implement moral competence training for medical students early, continuously, and as individually designed as possible during medical school (and to evaluate it in further studies) in order to preventively counteract stagnation or regression of moral judgment.

How to deal with moral challenges around the decision-making competence in transgender adolescent care? Development of an ethics support tool

BackgroundDecision-making competence is a complex concept in the care for transgender and gender diverse adolescents, since this type of care concerns one’s developing gender identity and involves treatment options that often lack international consensus. Even despite competence assessments, moral challenges arise in the decision-making process. Here, traditional forms of clinical ethics support such as moral case deliberation might not fit as these do not provide thematic guidance. This study therefore aimed to develop a practice-oriented ethics support tool to assist care providers when dealing with moral challenges around decision-making competence in transgender adolescent care.MethodsThe study followed a participatory design to develop a tool in close collaboration with care providers; they had a say in all phases of development and dissemination. Firstly, nine care providers were interviewed about experienced moral challenges and needs for ethics support. Based on this, the structure and content of the tool was constructed and discussed in two focus group meetings, after which four care providers tested the tool and additional feedback was collected from the team and an advisory board. The final tool was presented to all Dutch care providers in transgender adolescent care.ResultsCare providers expressed a need for guidance in defining and assessing decision-making competence. Main moral challenges concerned discussing fertility options with young clients, dealing with co-occurring mental health difficulties and the decision-making role of parents. The final tool, named the Competence Consultant, is an interactive pdf containing four parts: (1) Clarify information; (2) Identify doubts and moral questions; (3) Guidance for conversations and (4) Overview and Conclusions.DiscussionDeveloping an ethics support tool in a controversial care setting is highly relevant as it aims to help individual care providers in defining, discussing and dealing with their moral challenges in actual practice. The ‘Competence Consultant’ for transgender care providers contributes to their moral sensitivity and moral competence. It is an example of the development of innovative and integrative forms of thematic ethics support.

Competência moral e formação médica na contemporaneidade: estudo brasileiro

Abstract To evaluate the moral competence of medical students, this article compares different moments of medical training, identifying sociodemographic and academic aspects related to this competence, then discussing the evaluation tool. This is a quantitative, cross-sectional and observational study, with application of the extended version of Lind’s Moral Competence Test and a socio-demographic and academic questionnaire. Low mean scores were identified in the periods evaluated—the first period’s mean was higher than the others—and behavior that deviates from the “physician’s dilemma” in relation to the others, regardless of the period. Low moral competency scores were detected in all periods evaluated, with decline or stagnation over the course and “segmentation phenomenon” of the test. No relevant correlation of sociodemographic and academic variables was identified. Finally, this study found scores for the initial periods lower than those described in the literature, suggesting a generational trend.

Moral competence and medical education in contemporary times: a Brazilian study

Resumo A fim de avaliar a competência moral de estudantes de medicina, este artigo compara diferentes momentos do curso, identificando aspectos sociodemográficos e acadêmicos relacionados a essa competência e discutindo a ferramenta de avaliação. Trata-se de estudo quantitativo observacional transversal, com aplicação da versão estendida do Teste de Competência Moral, de Lind, e questionário sociodemográfico-acadêmico. Identificaram-se escores médios baixos nos períodos avaliados – com média do primeiro período superior aos demais – e comportamento destoante do “dilema do médico” em relação aos demais, independentemente do período. Detectaram-se escores de competência moral baixos em todos os períodos avaliados, com declínio ou estagnação no decorrer do curso e “fenômeno de segmentação” do teste, e não se identificou correlação relevante das variáveis sociodemográficas e acadêmicas. Por fim constatou-se que escores dos períodos iniciais inferiores aos descritos na literatura prévia podem sugerir tendência geracional.

Moral competence and medical education in contemporary times: a Brazilian study

Resumen Este artículo evalúa la competencia moral de estudiantes de medicina desde comparaciones de diferentes momentos del curso, identificando los aspectos sociodemográficos y académicos y discutiendo el instrumento de evaluación. Este estudio es cuantitativo observacional, transversal, que aplicó la versión extendida de la Prueba de Competencia Moral, de Lind, y el cuestionario sociodemográfico y académico. Se identificaron las puntuaciones medias bajas en los períodos evaluados –un promedio del primer período superior a los demás– y los comportamientos que diferían del “dilema del médico” con relación a los demás, independientemente del período. Resultaron bajas las puntuaciones de la competencia moral en todos los períodos evaluados, con descenso o estancamiento durante el curso y un “fenómeno de segmentación” de la prueba, además, no hubo correlación significativa entre las variables sociodemográficas y académicas. Las puntuaciones de los períodos iniciales fueron más bajas a las descritas en la literatura, lo que supone una tendencia generacional.

Educar para a bioética: desafio em enfermagem

Abstract Educating for bioethics is a challenge today. This challenge is even greater when we think of the teaching of bioethics to nursing students, who will perform a profession that has as its maximum target the care of other people. Because it is a profession that implies the relationship with the other and the provision of humanized and appropriate care to each situation, it is important to develop teaching tools that promote not only technical improvement and knowledge of how to do a task, but also the development of moral, personal and professional skills that lead to excellent health care. This article presents a reflection on the teaching of bioethics and its relationship with the development of moral competence of nursing students, suggesting some strategies that enhance the teaching of bioethics and the education of increasingly competent nurses.

"There Was a Sense That Our Load Had Been Lightened": Evaluating Outcomes of Virtual Ethics Rounds for Veterinary Team Members.

Clinical ethics support services (CESS) are employed in healthcare to improve patient care and help team members develop skills to recognize and navigate ethically challenging situations (ECS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of ethics rounds, one form of CESS, on veterinary team members. An anonymous, online mixed-methods survey incorporating a 15-item instrument designed to assess the outcomes of moral case deliberation originally developed for human healthcare workers (the Euro-MCD 2.0), was developed. The survey was administered to veterinary team members prior to and following participation in a 90-min virtual ethics rounds session. A total of 23 sessions of virtual ethics rounds were held. In total, 213 individuals participated, and 89 completed both surveys (response rate 41.8%). Most respondents were female (n = 70, 81%). Most were veterinarians (n = 51, 59%), followed by other veterinary team members (practice manager, animal attendant) (n = 18, 21%), veterinary nurses or animal health technicians (n = 10, 12%) and veterinary students (n = 8, 9%). Age ranged from 20 to 73 (median 41, IQR 32–52, n = 87). While there was no statistically significant difference between overall modified Euro-MCD 2.0 scores between T1 and T2, there were statistically significant changes in 7 out of 15 Euro-MCD 2.0 items in the domains of moral competence and moral teamwork. Reflexive thematic analysis of free-text responses identified themes including the types, impact and barriers to resolving ECS, the impacts of ethics rounds on veterinary team members and constraints preventing veterinary team members from speaking up in the face of ECS. While participants largely described the impact of ethics rounds as beneficial (for example, by facilitating clarification of thinking about ECS, allowing participants to see ECS from the perspective of others and providing a safe space for discussion), reflecting on ECS could be stressful for participants. Active participation in ethics rounds may be inhibited in the context of power imbalance, or in settings where bullying occurs. Overall, carefully facilitated ethics rounds has the potential to improve the ability of veterinary team members to identify and navigate ECS, and potentially mitigate moral distress.

The notion of moral competence in the scientific literature: a critical review of a thin concept

ABSTRACT This critical review accomplished two main tasks: first, the article provides scope for identifying the most common conceptions of moral competence in the scientific literature, as well as the different ways to measure this type of competence. Having moral judgment is the most popular element of moral competence, but the literature introduces many other elements. The review also shows there is a plethora of ways to measure moral competence, either in standardized tests providing scores or other non-standardized tests. As a second task, the article reflects critically on the general use of the idea of moral competence. Results suggest that this idea functions as what philosopher Bernard Williams would have called a thin ethical concept. Thin concepts are not problematic in and of themselves if they are used as linguistic shorthand, however, there may be shortcomings in the literature on moral competence because the idea is not rooted in more substantive views or theories in a way that is both clear and coherent.

Moderated Mediation Effect of Consumer Knowledge on the Relationship between Social Cultural Factors and Purchase Intention through Attitude of Mobile Phone Counterfeits in Kenya

Counterfeit consumption has been on an upsurge globally aided by comparative higher trade margins and increasing demand for renowned brands at lower prices. Social cultural factors have been found to play a major role in the growth of the trade as they influence the intention, hence purchase of such good. This study investigated the moderating effect of consumer knowledge on the relationship between social cultural factors (SCF) and Purchase Intention (PI) through attitude. The study applied an explanatory research design among university students guided by the Theories of Planned Behavior, Reasoned action, Moral competence and consumer theory. Data was collected from university students using simple random sampling methods using structured questionnaires. Data collected from 450 respondents were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical procedures, with the significance of each independent variable and relationship being tested at 95% confidence level (P=0.05). The study findings showed a positive and significant relationship between Social cultural factors (SCF) and Purchase Intention (PI) (β 1 =0.579, P&lt;0.05, r 2 =0.334) and found that consumer knowledge had a positive (ΔR 2 =0.0042, [F=5.25, P&lt;0.05]) moderated mediated effect (index 0.0668, [LLCI 0.128, ULCI 0.1361]) on the relationship between Social cultural factors and Purchase Intention through Attitude. The study concluded that Social Cultural Factors have an influence on Purchase Intention while Attitude intervenes significantly in the relationship between Social Cultural Factors and Purchase Intention with the relationship conditioned by Consumer Knowledge at different levels of interaction. The study recommends that manufacturers put product differentiating features and information on the packages so that consumers get information before they make purchase choices.

Los efectos de un programa de formación docente en neuroeducación en la mejora de las competencias lectoras, matemática, socioemocionales y morales de estudiantes de secundaria. Un estudio cuasi-experimental de dos años

Teacher training is directly related to the quality of the educational process. In recent years, the contributions of neuroeducation have begun to be valued as an important element to improve teachers’ skills. The current study has the objective of measuring the effectiveness of a teacher training program in neuroeducation through the improvement of three key competencies, reading, mathematical, social, emotional and moral competencies in secondary school students. This quasi-experimental study was carried out over two years, in which there have been two experimental and one control group, with 209 participants from all three schools in the same town of Spain (53.2% girls and 46.8% boys). The subjects are from all the classes of 1st grade of Secondary Education in the pre-test (M=12.18 years old, SD=.45). After carrying out a repeated-measures ANOVA, the results show a significant effect of the intervention on reading competence, mathematical competence and empathy (social and emotional area) between the experimental groups and the control one. These findings invite us to think about the potential of neuroeducation in schools and have implications for educational policies, teacher training and school practice.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ICT IN SENIOR PRESCHOOLERS’ MORAL EDUCATION

The research features the results of the effective introduction of information and communication technologies (ICT) into the process of senior preschoolers’ moral education in preschool educational institutions (PEI). The benefits of ICT implementation in preschool education in different countries are discussed, and the balance between ICT and moral education is clarified. The necessity to find new approaches to increase the level of senior preschoolers’ moral education was emphasized, which determined the topicality of the raised scientific problem. An experimental study of ICT implementation in the senior preschoolers’ (n = 432) moral education was conducted, which included constitutive, formative and control stages. Criteria (cognitive, emotional and value-oriented, behavioral), their indexes and levels of senior preschoolers’ moral education were specified. Based on the diagnostic method “Me and My Friends”, the initial levels (high, sufficient, medium and low) were determined. An experimental method of ICT implementation in senior preschoolers’ moral education is presented. This method was developed considering the requirements of the Basic Component of Preschool Education of Ukraine (2021) and partial program (additional thematic program on the organization of moral education in preschool education) “Treasury of Morality” (2020). The method is aimed at building children’s positive attitude to ICT as a source of information that promotes the consolidation of knowledge about moral norms and development of skills of moral behaviour in society. The educational potential of ICT is analyzed, which should be implemented to increase the level of senior preschoolers’ moral education, namely: videos, multimedia presentations, cartoons, video tales, online games, smart cards etc. The sequence of the method implementation at the information-introductory, reconstructive-formative and affirmative-consolidating stages is revealed. The effectiveness of ICT implementation in the senior preschoolers’ moral education was assessed at the control stage. Positive dynamics of high and sufficient levels in senior preschoolers’ moral education in the experimental group (EG) is proved to have risen. Importance of the ICT introduction into the modern system of senior preschoolers’ moral education of PEI is confirmed. The following prospective directions of the initiated study are outlined: interaction with parents in the context of children’s moral education involving ICT, ensuring consistency of PEI and primary school in children’s moral education, as well as the development of moral competence of university students majoring in “Preschool education”.

How childhood maltreatment links to labor values? The mediating role of moral competence and prosocial normative tendency

BackgroundLabor values are important components of the individual value system and considered to be among the most important values of an individual, especially in China. In studies of values, childhood maltreatment is considered to have an important influence on the formation of individual values. However, there is no previous research about the relationship between childhood maltreatment and labor values. The mechanism of childhood maltreatment on labor values is not clear and requires further study.MethodsThis study intended to investigate the relationship between childhood maltreatment and labor values, and further verify whether moral competence or prosocial normative tendency mediated this correlation. Therefore, 2691 participants were recruited from primary and secondary schools, who completed Labor Values Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Moral Competence subscale and Prosocial Norms subscale.ResultsResults revealed the negative correlation between childhood maltreatment and labor values. Importantly, childhood maltreatment also indirectly impacted labor values through moral competence and prosocial normative tendency. It indicated that both moral competence and prosocial normative tendency played a significant mediating role in this relationship. Our findings are valuable for understanding the underlying mechanism between early trauma and values.ConclusionsChildhood maltreatment has important implications for labor values. Moral competence and prosocial normative tendency mediate between childhood maltreatment and labor values. The results remind us to pay attention to the important influence of childhood maltreatment in the cultivation of labor values, and focus on the role of moral competence and prosocial normative tendency.

MEMAKNAI PENDIDIKAN SEBAGAI PROYEK MORAL, INTELEKTUAL, DAN SPRITUAL (ANALISIS KRITIS PENAFSIRAN Q.S. AL-MUJADILAH AYAT 11)

The education process often produces a dichotomy between moral, intellectual, and spiritual aspects, even though education can make all these aspects simultaneously and in balance. This article is an analytical study of the meaning of verse 11 of Surah al-Mujadilah regarding education that integrates moral, intellectual, and spiritual competencies. Data are tracked and collected from the interpretation of the ulama through books of tafsir, the preachers' explanations, and relevant articles. The analysis was carried out by applying the approach to the sciences of the Koran, the science of interpretation, and educational theory. The understanding of verse 11 surah al-Mujadilah is distorted because of the limited interpreters' competence personally and intellectually and the selection of an inappropriate method of interpretation. The neglect of the moral urgency in education has led to a moral crisis among intellectuals and educated people. The ethical problem is not only happening to ordinary people but also intellectuals. As a result, modern humans who are synonymous with scientific progress are moving towards moral destruction. If morals are broken, it has a destructive impact on the whole.Keywords: Critical Analysis of Education, Intellectual Education, Moral Education

Collective moral agency and self-induced moral incapacity

ABSTRACT Collective moral agents can cause their own moral incapacity. If an agent is morally incapacitated, then the agent is exempted from responsibility. Due to self-induced moral incapacity, corporate responsibility gaps resurface. To solve this problem, I first set out and defend a minimalist account of moral competence for group agents. After setting out how a collective agent can cause its own moral incapacity, I argue that self-induced temporary exempting conditions do not free an agent from diachronic responsibility once the agent regains its moral faculties. For collective agents, any exempting condition is potentially temporary due to the ‘malleability’ of their constitution. Therefore, in cases of self-induced moral incapacity and subsequent wrongdoing, unlike individuals, every collective agent can be (made) morally responsible for its actions even though it did not qualify as a moral agent at the time of wrongdoing. Hence, this is no reason for skepticism concerning corporate responsibility.

The effects of a teacher training program on neuroeducation in improving reading, mathematical, social, emotional and moral competencies of secondary school students. A two-year quasi-experimental study

Teacher training is directly related to the quality of the educational process. In recent years, the contributions of neuroeducation have begun to be valued as an important element to improve teachers' skills. The current study has the objective of measuring the effectiveness of a teacher training program in neuroeducation through the improvement of three key competencies, reading, mathematical, social, emotional and moral competencies in secondary school students. This quasi-experimental study was carried out over two years, in which there have been two experimental and one control group, with 209 participants from all three schools in the same town of Spain (53.2% girls and 46.8% boys). The subjects are from all the classes of 1st grade of Secondary Education in the pre-test (M=12.18 years old, SD=.45). After carrying out a repeated-measures ANOVA, the results show a significant effect of the intervention on reading competence, mathematical competence and empathy (social and emotional area) between the experimental groups and the control one. These findings invite us to think about the potential of neuroeducation in schools and have implications for educational policies, teacher training and school practice.

The Relationship between moral competence and cultural sensitivity levels of nurses working in primary healthcare institutions: A cross-sectional study in Turkey

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the moral competence and cultural sensitivity levels of nurses working in primary healthcare institutions and the relationship between the two. Methods: This cross-sectional design study conducted with 83 nurses working in primary healthcare services and was carried out between November 2018 and January 2019 in a province center in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. Results: The mean age of the nurses was 36.50 ± 6.06, the total score obtained from the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale was 91.44 ± 11.17, and the total score obtained from the Moral Competence Questionnaire for Public Health Nurses was 56.43 ± 7.71. The total scores obtained both from the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale and the Moral Competence Scale by those who lived in a big city for a long time and who got the intercultural nursing course during school were higher. No statistically significant relationship was found between the total scores obtained from both scales. However, there was a positive and statistically significant correlation between the score of Moral Competence Scale and the scores of the interaction confidence (R = 0.247; p = .025) and the interaction enjoyment (r = 0.306; p = .005) sub-dimensions of the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale. Conclusion: The moral competence and cultural sensitivity of nurses participating in the study were at a moderate level. As the moral competence of the nurses increased, their interaction enjoyment and interaction confidence levels increased, as well.