You Will Have 3 To 35 Hours To Write Your Response

You Will Have 3 To 35 Hours To Write Your Response Respond To Each Q

You will have 3 to 3.5 hours to write your response. Respond to each question separately and save as a Word.doc or Word.docx document. APA Format Last Name-Comp Question Number-Question Topic Example: Smith - Comp #1 - Ethics. Once you have completed Part 1, please take a break of 30-60 minutes before proceeding to the second part.

Paper For Above instruction

Question 1 of 3: Ethics, Values, and Social Responsibility Identify at least three ethical dilemmas that a leader must contend with in order to meet the values and code of ethics of an organization. Discuss the relevant theory behind these dilemmas.

Question 3 of 3: Leadership There are many schools of thought on the definition of leadership. Leadership may be defined as the ability and special penchant to create an arousal that inspires others to achieve their personal and organizational goals. This happens through a leader's ability to transfer something of intrinsic value to the follower. If a leader has nothing of value to offer, then they are just in a leadership position in name only (this is echoed by Goleman, Boyatzis, and McKee, 2002, who stated that great leaders move us and inspire the best in us). Northouse (2004) defines leadership as the process where an individual influences others to achieve a common goal. Further, Jones (1995) states that great leaders inspire themselves in the process of inspiring others. In the U.S. Army, leadership is defined as influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to accomplish the mission and improve the organization (Army Leadership, 1999). Leadership may have different meanings to different people in different settings. In fact, Bennis (2003) compared leadership to beauty by stating that it is difficult to define, but you know it when you see it.

Provide an historical examination of leadership over the past decades. Choose at least two particular perspectives that have changed your outlook on leadership. Discuss 2-3 key axioms of leadership, 2-3 challenges faced by leaders, and 3-5 key characteristics one expects to find in a leader.

Responses

Question 1: Ethical Dilemmas in Leadership and Relevant Theories

Leadership is inherently complex, often entailing navigating multifaceted ethical dilemmas that test a leader’s commitment to organizational values and societal norms. Among the prominent ethical dilemmas faced by leaders are conflicts between profit motives and social responsibility, issues of transparency versus confidentiality, and balancing organizational loyalty with personal integrity. Analyzing these challenges through established ethical theories provides insight into their resolution.

The first dilemma—balancing profit and social responsibility—can be examined through the lens of stakeholder theory. Freeman (1984) argues that organizations have responsibilities not only to shareholders but also to stakeholders including employees, customers, communities, and the environment. Leaders must choose between maximizing shareholder returns or acting in the broader societal interest, often leading to conflicts where short-term gains may harm long-term societal well-being.

The second dilemma involves transparency versus confidentiality. Leaders must decide how much information to disclose regarding organizational affairs. Deontological ethics, particularly Kantian principles, suggest that truthfulness and transparency are moral imperatives regardless of the consequences (Kant, 1785/1993). However, confidentiality may be necessary to protect organizational interests, creating tension between duty and discretion.

The third dilemma relates to loyalty—whether to prioritize organizational loyalty or personal ethical standards. This dilemma is often analyzed via virtue ethics, which emphasizes moral character. Leaders guided by virtues such as honesty, courage, and justice are better positioned to navigate conflicts where organizational pressures threaten personal integrity (MacIntyre, 1981).

The relevant theories behind these dilemmas include utilitarianism, which advocates for actions that produce the greatest good for the greatest number, and social contract theory, emphasizing mutual obligations between leaders and followers (Rousseau, 1762). Understanding these frameworks enhances leaders' capacity to make morally sound decisions even in ethically ambiguous situations.

Question 3: Historical Perspectives, Key Axioms, Challenges, and Characteristics of Leadership

The concept of leadership has evolved remarkably over the decades, reflecting shifts in societal values, organizational structures, and psychological understanding. The early 20th century focused on transactional leadership, emphasizing hierarchical authority, control, and clear exchanges between leaders and followers (Barnard, 1938). By mid-century, transformational leadership gained prominence, highlighting inspiration, vision, and motivational influence (Bass, 1985). More recently, servant leadership emphasizes humility, service, and ethical responsibility, aligning leadership with moral agency (Greenleaf, 1977).

Two perspectives that have profoundly shaped my outlook are transformational and servant leadership. Transformational leadership underscores the importance of inspiring followers through vision and personal example, fostering innovation and commitment. Conversely, servant leadership prioritizes serving others before oneself, emphasizing moral integrity and community building. These perspectives shift focus from power to purpose and from control to collaboration.

Key axioms of leadership include the belief that effective leadership is based on influence rather than authority, that integrity and authenticity are foundational, and that continuous learning and adaptation are essential. Leaders must influence rather than command by earning trust and demonstrating consistent ethical behavior. Authenticity fosters credibility and loyalty, while adaptability ensures relevance amid changing circumstances (Northouse, 2018).

Leaders face numerous challenges, including navigating organizational change, managing diverse teams, and sustaining motivation under stress. Resistance to change, communication gaps, and ethical dilemmas are common obstacles requiring resilience and strategic thinking (Kotter, 1991). Additionally, leaders often contend with balancing short-term pressures with long-term vision.

Effective leaders typically exhibit certain core characteristics: strong emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, integrity, resilience, and empathy. Emotional intelligence enables understanding and managing one's own emotions and those of others, essential for building relationships and fostering teamwork (Goleman, 1990). Strategic thinking allows setting clear objectives and envisioning future possibilities. Integrity fosters trust and ethical behavior. Resilience helps overcoming setbacks, while empathy promotes inclusiveness and engagement (George, 2000; Luthans & Youssef, 2007).

Conclusion

Leadership continues to evolve as societal values shift and organizational needs become more complex. Recognizing the ethical dilemmas leaders face through various theories enhances their decision-making processes. Historically, leadership has transitioned from authoritative to transformational and servant models, emphasizing influence, morality, and service. Fundamental axioms such as authentic influence and integrity remain constant, even as leaders confront ongoing challenges like change management and cultural diversity. Ultimately, key characteristics like emotional intelligence and resilience define effective leadership in today’s dynamic world.

References

• Bennis, W. (2003). On Becoming a Leader. Basic Books.
• Barnard, C. (1938). The Functions of the Executive. Harvard University Press.
• Bass, B. M. (1985). Leadership and Performance Beyond Expectations. Free Press.
• George, B. (2000). Emotional Intelligence. Jossey-Bass.
• Greenleaf, R. K. (1977). Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness. Paulist Press.
• Kant, I. (1993). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. (H. Paton, Trans.). Harper & Row. (Original work published 1785)
• Kotter, J. P. (1991). Leading Change. Harvard Business Review Press.
• Luthans, F., & Youssef, C. M. (2007). Positive Organizational Behavior. Oxford University Press.
• MacIntyre, A. (1981). After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory. University of Notre Dame Press.
• Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Sage Publications.
• Rousseau, J.-J. (1762). The Social Contract. (C. Frankel, Trans.). Yale University Press.