Women over 30 more moral than men

A leading philosopher has claimed that women are more moral than men. Professor Roger Steare developed the 'Moral DNA' test four years ago to measure both a person's morality and the changes in their value systems when they enter the workplace. Since then 60,000 volunteers have taken the questionnaire in more than 200 countries, ranging from chief executives to manual workers and housewives. Professor Steare said the results show that your gender and age are most likely to influence your morality - with women and the over-thirties proving the 'most moral', the Daily Mail reported.

Those taking the test are asked to rate a series of statements about their personal and work life - for example, whether their colleagues or family would say they were 'honest' or 'competent'. They then have to evaluate assertions about themselves, such as 'I always honour people's trust in me' and 'I am good at exercising self-control'. Those taking part then receive a report naming them as one of six personality types - Philosopher, Judge, Angel, Teacher, Enforcer or Guardian. Professor Steare said the volunteers' responses revealed their 'ethics of obedience, care, and reason' - qualities he believes lie at the heart of decision-making and therefore morality.

"The differences that emerged between men and women are valuable when we look at decision-making in the workplace," said Professor Steare who advises bluechip and FTSE 100 companies including HSBC and BP on how to combine profitability with the ethics of care.