Ethical Issues In Leadership

Running Head Ethical Issues In Leadership1ethical Issues In Leaders

ETHICAL ISSUES IN LEADERSHIP 5 Ethical Issues in Leadership Student’s Name Course Supervisor Date Ethical issues play a significant role in ensuring the leader in all capacity conducts in a way that upholds their ethical standards. In this research, the paper will analyze ethical issues in leadership. The research paper will be aim to address the following questions. 1) What are the ethical issues? Do they affect Christianity? 2) Do ethical issues influence decision making religious issues? 3) How does understanding ethical issues promote Christian understanding and improve coexistence with other non-Christians in society? Ethical issues in leadership have become a common challenge, thus posing a new challenge to the leadership. A leader is always faced with an ethical dilemma while playing their role in a leadership position. Ethical issues refer to complicated circumstances that involve one to decide on what to do and what not to do. This process involves a mental conflict between moral paradoxes (Shapiro, 2016). The gap is created when we have to decide on conduct in a way that is contrary to what we are used to or what we feel its right. Thus, due to complexity and its application in all part of the operation, ethical leadership become a topic of increasing prominence Christian faith and leadership. Ethical leadership provides essential benefits to leaders to create a balance between the right and emerging social issues. in contemporary society, there are emerging issues that makes the in an ethical dilemma. Some of the themes include dealing with crime, marriage divorce and remarriage, pornographic, sex abortion and homosexuality and teaching about God divinity. Understanding ethical issues play a significant role in understanding Christian's teaching and help to promote peaceful coexistence with other people and improve our personal lives. Some situation in live subject us in the hard condition in the making in what is right and what is important for our lives. Christian also lives in a diverse society of non-Christian who are not bound to these teaching and Christian need to in a way that shows respect to their practices. The issue of marriage, divorce and remarriage possess a significant challenge to Christian leader in their role in the contemporary society that is faced with a number of marriage issues. in the book of 1 Corinthians 5:1-6:20, Paul teaches the churches on the problems of marriage, divorce and remarriage. In his teaching, he condemned the evil that is associated with sex issues. Paul says that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God. Going with Paul teaching, one man should have one woman as a wife. Thus any man who leaves his wife for another woman have committed adultery. And this case applied to the woman also. Therefore, this issue poses a challenge leader when dealing with matters of divorce. For instance, someone is in a bad marriage, that makes it hard to remain in the same marriage. Thus, the main question will remain will it be advisable for that Christian to get a divorce and achieve a better life or he or she stay in such marriage and keep Christian marriage. In contemporary society, the critical ethical issues affecting Christian teaching is issues concerning abortion, science and technology. Currently, these moral issues have increased in the community to the extent that is being practised by Christian in churches, thus creating a challenge to Christian leader to deal with these issues (Bigger, 2013). the bible condemns and murder in many instances of its teachings, though some of these issues have been manifested in modern society. Exodus 20:13 says do not commit murder, this involves respect of human life, including that of unborn. Healthcare science and technology has come with devices have come with devices to check the pregnant woman, and if the infant development is abnormal, then they can advise the mother to abort to save the of the mother. When making such a decision, one is always challenged what is right and what is important. The ethical issue does not only affect commercial leadership only, but these issues are also experienced in Christian leadership. Christian leaders always find themselves in a crossroads in deciding the Christian teaching, moral teaching, and doing what is right. in Luke 19: 10, Jesus requested Zacchaeus the tax man collector to go with him to him home to have a supper meal with Jesus. Zacchaeus was a tax collector, and people perceived tax collectors as bad people – conmen, thieves, and unethical people. Thus, according to people's views, it was unethical for Jesus to share a meal with a sinner. In this case, Jesus found himself in the crossroad on doing what is right and doing what people perceived to be right. in those days (Willmington, 2018). Similarly, Christian leaders are faced with a situation that challenges their work. These issues range from personal decision making, the social-cultural matters in the society, the law of the land, and even another aspect of life. One key issue that affects Christian leadership is the teaching of the gospel and, notably, the ten commandments. The central ethical aspect, in this case, is whether Christian leaders can teach Christian the real value of Christianity, and all people will appreciate that in society, Christian or non-Christian. In Genesis, the first commandment teaches us No Other Gods; the bible comes clear to says that God will not tolerate any other God (Alexander, 2019). Thus, in this case, Christian leaders face the challenge of keeping this commandment and tolerating other people's religions. We live in a diverse society that practice different faith; thus, the main issues are on how to live with other people who don't believe in this verse or these Christian teachings. References Alexander, A. B. (2019). Christianity and Ethics . BoD–Books on Demand. Bigger, S. (2013). Spiritual, moral, social, & cultural education: Exploring values in the curriculum . Routledge. Shapiro, J. P., & Stefkovich, J. A. (2016). Ethical leadership and decision making in education: Applying theoretical perspectives to complex dilemmas . Routledge. Willmington, H. (2018). A Biographical Study of Zacchaeus. CLED 765 Research Profile Instructions The Research Profile is an important part of the process of taking ownership of your dissertation phase. It allows you to begin identifying your intentions for the study by describing the significance, raising questions, and providing research objectives to address these components. To this end, you will submit a research profile in 2 parts: Part 1: Research Profile Draft Based on the readings for this course, the Annotated Bibliography, and the initial findings of the literature review, you will identify 1 salient issue or problem in leadership or education. This may or may not be the intended research project for the dissertation. From this finding, the student will develop a research profile that is 3–5 pages. Please submit Part 1 in Module/Week 5, with Part 2, the final version, due in Module/Week 6. Please see the summary outline of expectations (Intent of Study) below . Part 1 must be clearly identified as Part 1. Please do not submit previously graded work from other courses and be judicious in application of previously submitted work from this course. Intent of the study 1. Identify the topic. Select 1 topic issue or problem based upon your readings for this course or from your own leadership experience. Write a 2–3 paragraph description of this problem. Be very specific. 2. Based upon this finding, write a brief description of the significance of that problem for the practice of Christian leadership. 3. In light of the problem or topic you have identified, set out 3–5 potential questions that frame this issue as it relates to your potential dissertation work. As a researcher, what are the questions you have about the problem you have identified that you intend to explore and research? Write a brief overview (summary) of these questions. 4. Based on the questions you have enumerated, identify potential research objectives that seek to address those questions in view of your dissertation. What is your objective in researching this problem? The final version should clearly indicate where changes were made. All writing expectations as previously stated apply. Submit your Research Profile: Part 1 by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of Module/Week 5. Submit your Research Profile: Part 2 by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of Module/Week 6.

Paper For Above instruction

Ethical issues in leadership encompass a wide range of moral dilemmas and challenges that leaders face across various contexts, including religious, organizational, and societal domains. These issues significantly influence decision-making processes and impact the way leaders uphold their moral and ethical standards. In the context of Christian leadership, ethical considerations are deeply intertwined with biblical teachings, moral principles, and religious doctrines. Understanding these issues is essential for fostering ethical integrity, promoting moral clarity, and encouraging respectful coexistence within diverse religious and cultural communities.

One prominent ethical issue faced by Christian leaders concerns the application of biblical teachings on marriage, divorce, and remarriage. The Bible, particularly in 1 Corinthians 7 and the teachings of Paul and Jesus, advocates for monogamy and condemns adultery and divorce in certain circumstances (Shapiro & Stefkovich, 2016). Christian leaders frequently encounter situations where believers are faced with dysfunctional marriages, prompting challenging decisions about whether divorce is permissible and under what conditions it aligns with spiritual and moral principles. The question of whether to support divorce for the sake of personal safety or wellbeing versus maintaining the sanctity of marriage exemplifies a complex ethical dilemma (Bigger, 2013). Leaders must balance respect for scriptural authority with compassion and understanding of individual circumstances, a challenge that can significantly influence their ethical conduct.

Another salient ethical issue involves the topic of abortion, which remains highly controversial in contemporary society. The Bible explicitly condemns the act of murder (Exodus 20:13), and many Christian leaders interpret this as a stance against abortion (Alexander, 2019). Nevertheless, medical advancements and ethical debates surrounding maternal health, fetal abnormalities, and reproductive rights pose questions about the moral permissibility of abortion. Christian leaders face conflicts between adhering to doctrinal teachings and addressing the realities of modern healthcare, technology, and individual autonomy (Willmington, 2018). These dilemmas challenge leaders to find a balanced approach that respects biblical principles while engaging compassionately with complex moral issues.

Additionally, ethical considerations in the context of social interactions, such as sharing meals with individuals perceived as immoral or sinners, exemplify Jesus' approach to moral ambiguity. For example, Jesus’ act of dining with Zacchaeus, a tax collector, despite societal disapproval, underscores the importance of compassion and inclusivity over rigid morality (Alexander, 2019). Christian leaders are tasked with navigating such moral terrains, advocating for forgiveness and reconciliation while maintaining doctrinal fidelity. These issues collectively underscore the importance of moral discernment, biblical interpretation, and compassionate leadership in Christian contexts.

Furthermore, issues related to science and technology, including reproductive technologies and genetic engineering, present modern ethical challenges. The use of advanced medical devices and procedures for fetal abnormalities and reproductive choices prompts Christian leaders to reconcile scientific progress with biblical teachings on the sanctity of life (Bigger, 2013). The moral conflicts surrounding assisted reproduction, cloning, and genetic modification require nuanced ethical reflections rooted in faith-based principles. Leaders must carefully consider the implications of technological advances on human dignity and the moral obligations prescribed by their faith.

In conclusion, ethical issues in Christian leadership span a broad spectrum, from doctrinal adherence to complex societal dilemmas. Leaders must practice moral discernment, grounded in biblical teachings, to navigate these challenges responsibly. By fostering a deep understanding of ethical principles—such as respect, compassion, and justice—Christian leaders can effectively promote moral integrity and societal harmony, respecting diverse perspectives and maintaining fidelity to their faith. Ethical leadership thus remains a vital aspect of Christian ministry, requiring ongoing reflection, biblical scholarship, and compassionate engagement with contemporary moral issues.

References

  • Alexander, A. B. (2019). Christianity and Ethics. BoD–Books on Demand.
  • Bigger, S. (2013). Spiritual, moral, social, & cultural education: Exploring values in the curriculum. Routledge.
  • Shapiro, J. P., & Stefkovich, J. A. (2016). Ethical leadership and decision making in education: Applying theoretical perspectives to complex dilemmas. Routledge.
  • Willmington, H. (2018). A Biographical Study of Zacchaeus.