Ethics In Leadership Course Has Major Project Assignment

Ethics In Leadershipthis Course Has Major Project Assignments That Wil

Ethics in Leadership This course has major project assignments that will be due in Weeks 3 and 5. It will take more than a week’s effort to adequately complete them. Plan time to start the research and other work for those assignments earlier than the week in which they are due. For the course project, you will assess the ethical nature of leadership by studying a current or historical leader. Choose a famous leader with readily available information (e.g., press releases, organizational websites, published biographies, etc.) that you can research.

Consult with your instructor early in the week if you need assistance. You will be using the same leader for the Week 1, Week 3, and Week 5 assignments. For the Week 1 paper, prepare a biographical introduction of your chosen leader that summarizes: who the leader is, what era the leader came from, what organization the leader is or was affiliated with, why this leader is worthy of study, the specific leadership theory/style this leader used, citing specific examples and research to support your assessment. Next, analyze this leader in terms of moral intelligence and credibility as a leader, citing evidence to support your perspectives. Specifically, this section should assess any gaps between espoused values and actual behaviors.

Next, analyze the alignment of the leader’s values and behaviors with the organizational values expressed in vision, mission, and value statements of the organization most closely affiliated with the leader, as well as any other indicators of organizational culture. Finally, synthesize a personal reflection of “lessons learned” that includes at least two key takeaways that you can apply to your own leadership practice.

Paper For Above instruction

The first step in exploring ethical leadership is selecting a relevant leader whose actions and values can be thoroughly examined. A prominent figure such as Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, or Elon Musk provides ample material for analysis. These leaders exemplify various leadership styles, ranging from transformational to transactional, and their actions often reflect distinct ethical considerations. For instance, Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership in the civil rights movement epitomizes moral integrity and commitment to justice, aligning with transformational leadership theories that emphasize inspiring followers towards higher ideals (Bass & Steidlmeier, 1999).

Biographical research reveals that King’s unwavering stance on nonviolent resistance and equality was rooted in deep moral convictions, which fortified his credibility. Analyzing his moral intelligence involves assessing his awareness of ethical issues and his capacity to act rightly despite challenges. King’s ability to articulate a moral vision and remain consistent with his values elevated his credibility both during his lifetime and posthumously (Kidder, 2005). However, some critiques point to instances where external pressures tested his adherence, highlighting potential gaps between espoused values and actual behaviors during times of political or social tension.

Examining alignment with organizational values involves comparing King’s leadership in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) against the organization’s mission statement advocating racial equality and social justice. King’s actions consistently reflected the organization’s core values, with demonstrations of moral courage and steadfast commitment to ethical principles. The organizational culture under his leadership was characterized by a shared commitment to justice, nonviolence, and community service, which reinforced the ethical foundation of his leadership style.

From a personal perspective, several lessons emerge that can inform one's own leadership journey. First, the importance of authentic moral integrity cannot be overstated—it builds trust and inspires followers. Second, aligning personal values with organizational goals cultivates a cohesive and meaningful leadership approach. For example, practicing transparency and ethical decision-making nurtures credibility and sustains organizational morality.

In conclusion, analyzing a leader’s ethical stance offers valuable insights into the role of moral intelligence and organizational alignment in effective leadership. By studying exemplary figures like Martin Luther King Jr., contemporary leaders can learn how consistency, moral conviction, and cultural harmony foster trust and drive positive change (Ciulla, 2014). Developing these qualities in oneself is crucial for cultivating authentic, credible leadership in any organizational context.

References

  • Bass, B. M., & Steidlmeier, P. (1999). Ethics, character, and authentic transformational leadership behavior. The Leadership Quarterly, 10(2), 181–217.
  • Kidder, R. M. (2005). The ethics of leadership. Harvard Business Review Press.
  • Ciulla, J. B. (2014). Ethics, the heart of leadership. Praeger.
  • Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice (8th ed.). Sage Publications.
  • Brown, M. E., & Treviño, L. K. (2006). Ethical leadership: A review and future directions. The Leadership Quarterly, 17(6), 595–616.
  • Palmer, P. J. (2004). ToKnowImaging the Moral Life of Leadership. Leadership, 1(1), 245–263.
  • Maak, T., Plassmann, R., & Weber, C. (2016). Responsible leadership and corporate social responsibility. Journal of Business Ethics, 138(2), 317–331.
  • Fisher, C. (2010). Decoding the leadership puzzle: Analyzing the ethical dimensions. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 17(3), 230-245.
  • Resick, C. J., & Rudd, J. M. (2007). Transformational and transactional leadership: A meta-analytic perspective. Journal of Applied Psychology, 92(4), 1050-1060.
  • Schwartz, M. S. (2017). Leadership ethics and corporate social responsibility. Stanford Business Books.

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