In the "Instrumental Relativist Stage" of pre-conventional morality, what is the primary motivation behind actions?

In the "Instrumental Relativist Stage" of pre-conventional morality, the primary motivation behind actions revolves around personal gain through reciprocity. This stage, which is part of Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development, emphasizes that individuals make decisions based on what they can gain from a situation for themselves. Here, actions are often guided by self-interest, meaning that people are motivated to act in ways that will benefit them directly, often through a quid pro quo approach - if they do something, they expect something in return.

This focus on personal gain represents a shift from earlier moral reasoning, where actions might have been taken primarily to avoid punishment or seek approval, rather than through an understanding of mutual benefits. The concept of reciprocity implies a more complex understanding of social interactions, where the individual recognizes that others also have needs, and thus acts to ensure their own well-being while considering that of others, albeit mainly for personal advantage.