Kohlberg’s model of moral development, initially focused on individual ethical reasoning, can be adapted to nation-building and company culture building. It involves progressing through stages that range from a basic focus on personal needs and pleasure to a sophisticated understanding of universal principles. Here’s a breakdown of how each stage aligns with the development of nations and corporate cultures:

Jefferies Jiang
2 min readOct 7, 2024
  1. Preconventional Stage: Pain and Pleasure (Personal Needs Focused)

• Nation-building: In the earliest stages, nations may focus on survival, securing basic needs, and maintaining control. Leaders emphasize stability and security, often using a top-down approach to ensure safety. Policies might be reactive, aimed at avoiding immediate threats rather than long-term growth.

• Company Culture: Companies in their infancy, or during a crisis, may focus primarily on survival. Decisions are made to avoid losses, reduce risks, and ensure immediate gains. Leadership may prioritize strict oversight, with little emphasis on broader values or long-term cultural development.

2. Conventional Stage: Transactional Focus (Law, Order, and Reciprocity)

• Nation-building: At this stage, nations move beyond mere survival, focusing on creating systems and structures, such as rule of…

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