Moral beacons: Understanding moral character and moral influence

• DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12865
• Publication Date: 2023-08-07T08:55:43Z
• Authors: Erik G. Helzer; Taya R. Cohen; Yeonjeong Kim; Alessandro Iorio; Brandy Aven
• Keywords: Beacon; Internalism and externalism; Moral character

Abstract Objective We introduce the concept of moral beacons —individuals who are higher in character than their peers and prominent within social environment—and examine degree to which increase awareness peers. Background Using data from cohorts students graduate business education across two universities, we applied theory methods organizational behavior, personality psychology, networks analysis test research questions about beacons. Method used latent profile questionnaires network surveys completed by at universities ( N = 502) identify individuals classified as peer nominations an in‐class case discussion exercise assess influence. Results Latent identified a class our sample. These received more end‐of‐class guides for thought action positively impacted difficult possible lead poisoning employees, but did not significantly change counterparts' different case. Conclusions results provide promising initial evidence that can be distinguished both prominence act others, times encouraging greater consideration aspects situations decisions. As these first kind, encourage further replication investigations influence other settings.