According to Ethical Leadership Part I, what do many adults lack that guides behavior?

• A. An internal moral compass
• B. An adequate moral compass
• C. A strong sense of duty
• D. A clear set of rules

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is whether people have a reliable internal guide that shapes ethical behavior, even when external pressures push otherwise. The best answer says many adults lack an adequate moral compass. That means their internal sense of right and wrong isn’t strong or complete enough to consistently steer decisions in ethical directions. When someone has an adequate moral compass, their actions align with ethical principles across different situations, not just when rules are clear or consequences are clear. Without that internal guidance, rules or duties alone may not be enough to keep behavior ethical, because there isn’t a strong personal standard to rely on.

Why the other options don’t fit: an internal moral compass would imply they do have one, which contradicts the idea of lacking it; a strong sense of duty focuses on obligation rather than an internal, everyday ethical guide; a clear set of rules provides external guidance rather than an internal standard.