A research has confirmed what women have for long been claiming — they are more moral than men.

The study, based on a survey which measured responses to questions about honesty, found women to be more moral than men, with those over 30 years having the strongest values, a media report said.

The study, by a leading philosopher, also showed that females are more likely to make decisions based on how it impact others.

In fact, Prof Roger Steare has based his conclusions on a “Moral DNA test” which he developed four years ago to measure both a person’s morality and 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.

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: Judge, Philosopher, Angel, Teacher, Enforcer or Guardian.

Professor Steare said: “Women prefer to make their decisions based on how it impacts others — which tends to produce better decisions — while men have a more individual approach and are more self-interested.

“What this shows is that when it comes to work men have to grow up, put their ego to one side and show some humility and compassion — qualities they all too often have in their personal lives but put to one side when they walk into office.

“What stood out from the answers was that obedience decreased with age, while reason increased — a logical occurrence as we make the transition from youth to experience. Interestingly the crossover point occurs around our mid-thirties, which is when we mature as adults.”