Leadership And Ethics

Leadership And Ethics

Leadership and Ethics" Please respond to the following: Use the Internet to research someone you believe to be an ethical leader of a company. Focus on his or her actions of ethical leadership that support your viewpoint. Next, define what you believe constitutes ethical leadership. Provide two (2) examples of the selected leader’s actions that fit your definition of ethical leadership. Evaluate the leadership of a leader in your organization, or prior organization, in terms of the seven (7) habits of ethical leaders. Determine one (1) area in which this leader could improve upon, and suggest one (1) action that this leader could take in order to do so. Note : Please do not identify workplaces or leaders by name.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Leadership and ethics are intertwined in shaping organizational culture and stakeholder trust. Ethical leadership involves guiding organizations with integrity, fairness, and concern for the well-being of all stakeholders. This paper explores ethical leadership through the example of a prominent corporate leader, defines the core attributes of ethical leadership, provides concrete examples of such behavior, evaluates a leader from personal experience against the seven habits of ethical leaders, and suggests improvements to enhance ethical leadership practices.

Ethical Leadership: Definition and Examples

Ethical leadership can be defined as the demonstration of normatively appropriate conduct through personal actions and interpersonal relationships, and the promotion of such conduct to followers (Brown, Treviño, & Harrison, 2005). It encompasses honesty, fairness, respect, accountability, and a commitment to ethical principles in decision-making processes. An ethical leader not only adheres to legal standards but also embodies moral values that inspire trust and credibility.

One exemplary figure in corporate ethics is the leader of a major technology company renowned for its integrity in handling user data. This leader demonstrated transparency by openly communicating data privacy policies and actively engaging in responsible data management practices, which exemplify integrity and respect for user rights. Another action highlighting ethical leadership was the company's response to a security breach; they promptly notified customers, provided solutions, and took responsibility, reflecting accountability and concern for stakeholder welfare.

Core Attributes of Ethical Leadership

To better understand ethical leadership, it is essential to delineate its core attributes. These include integrity, fairness, empathy, accountability, humility, transparency, and respect for others (Yukl, 2013). An ethical leader consistently demonstrates these traits, fostering an environment of trust and moral clarity.

First, integrity involves unwavering adherence to moral principles even when faced with pressure to compromise. Second, fairness entails impartiality in treating employees, customers, and stakeholders and in making decisions. Third, empathy enables leaders to understand and consider the perspectives and emotions of others, promoting inclusiveness. Fourth, accountability signifies owning one’s actions and accepting responsibility for the outcomes. Fifth, humility allows leaders to acknowledge their limitations and value team contributions. Sixth, transparency involves openly sharing information and intentions. Finally, respect requires valuation and appreciation for others' dignity and rights.

Evaluation of a Personal Leader Against the Seven Habits of Ethical Leaders

In evaluating a past organizational leader against the seven habits of ethical leaders outlined by Kouzes and Posner (2017)—honesty, respect, fairness, responsibility, caring, transparency, and humility—certain strengths and weaknesses are evident.

The leader exhibited honesty by consistently providing truthful information to employees and stakeholders, fostering trust. Respect was demonstrated through fair treatment of team members regardless of their rank or background, cultivating a respectful workplace culture. Responsibility was apparent in the leader’s willingness to admit mistakes and implement corrective measures. However, areas for improvement include increasing transparency; sometimes decision-making was perceived as opaque, leading to uncertainty among staff.

One specific area of growth could be enhancing transparency in communication, particularly regarding organizational changes and strategic decisions. To improve, the leader could implement regular town hall meetings and develop open forums for dialogue, thus promoting trust and collective understanding.

Conclusion

Ethical leadership is vital for fostering sustainable organizational success and maintaining stakeholder trust. The examined corporate leader exemplified integrity and responsibility, aligning with ethical principles. Personal evaluation reveals strengths in honesty and respect but identifies transparency as an opportunity for development. By adopting transparent communication practices, leaders can further embody ethical qualities, enhancing organizational culture and stakeholder confidence.

References

  • Brown, M. E., Treviño, L. K., & Harrison, D. A. (2005). Ethical Leadership: A Social Learning Perspective. Academy of Management Review, 30(2), 387-409.
  • Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The Leadership Challenge: how to make extraordinary things happen in organizations. John Wiley & Sons.
  • Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in Organizations. Pearson Education.
  • Ciulla, J. B. (2004). Ethics and Leadership Effectiveness. In J. Antonakis, A. T. Jacobsen, & D. V. Day (Eds.), Leadership: Research, Practice, and Development. The Sage handbook of leadership theory and practice.
  • Resick, C. J., Hanges, P. J., & Dickson, M. W. (2006). Ethical Leadership: A Multilevel Examination of Leadership, Culture, and Ethical Climate. Journal of Business Ethics, 63(3), 195-217.
  • Walumbwa, F. O., & Schaubroeck, J. (2009). Leader Personality and Employee Voice Behaviour: Mediating Roles of Ethical Leader Behavior and Ethical Climate. Journal of Applied Psychology, 94(5), 1275-1286.
  • Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Sage publications.
  • Schwepker, C. H. (2001). Ethical Climate's Relationship to Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, and Turnover Intention. Journal of Business Ethics, 34(3), 137-151.
  • Kaptein, M. (2008). Developing a Measure for Ethical Culture in Organizations: The Corporate Ethical Virtues Model. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 29(7), 923-947.
  • Brown, M. E., & Treviño, L. K. (2006). Ethical Leadership: A Review and Future Directions. The Leadership Quarterly, 17(6), 595-616.

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