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Importance of ethics in leadership
The principlesof ethical leadership
Realationship between leadership and responsibility
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Moral Leadership: Ethics and Effectiveness
Deborah Rhode provides a succinct explanation if what constitutes moral leadership. The difference between moral leadership and effective leadership is well explicated. Contemporary literature and many businesses executive have held a belief that there is no difference between effective leadership and moral leadership. Effective leadership is propped up by ethics and sound moral judgment. This is true, but it is eminent that effective leadership does not always encompass moral leadership. Corporate goals and pressure from stakeholders has significantly transformed the way in which leaders approach ethics and leadership in general (Rhode, 2006). An effective leader ought to have the ability to guide
If there is no persuasion, then it is only to say that there is no leadership. It is also apparent that for a leader to be in a position to persuade others to follow a given course of action, one must have some aspects such as integrity and integrity. Based on the definition given by Deborah Rhode, trust is a very important element in maintaining moral leadership. If a leader cannot be trusted, he or she cannot be a good leader, and people (followers) will not have enough confidence in them to the point of following what they say or want. Deborah concisely illustrates that moral leadership is quite different from effective leadership. Instead of aspiring to be followed, moral leadership endeavors to serve (Rhode, 2006). Rather than displaying their skills, moral leaders strive to develop the ability and capacity of their followers. It is important to note that moral leadership is expected from anyone in any position in the organizational hierarchy. However, moral leaders are individuals who have a deep sense of ethics, are propelled by core ideals such as fairness, honesty and integrity, and are usually motivated by
A good and effective leader must be an excellent example. History has borne this out time after time. For example, Herodotus, widely credited as the father of history, stated that “I am contented that we are less convinced by what we hear than by what we see.” (Zubko 2003, p.140 ). Deborah is challenging leaders to approach ethics from a different angle. From how the behavior and conduct displayed to the services offered and goods produced, to the customers they serve and suppliers they interact with, to the workforce and the society in general (Rhode, 2006). The whole ecosystem should reflect a character and show an element of ethics that forms the core of their decision and actions. Just as the workforce is assessed by their performance in a corporation, the workforce, stakeholders and the general public should evaluate their leaders with the benchmark being ethics. As stated in the book, a leader 's conducts ought to be impeccable (Rhode, 2006). This is due to the fact that, while in that position one is not only accountable to the employee but also to the society. The words and actions of a leader are watched by many followers, hence the impacts and implication of everything they say and do shape the view of the followers (Rhode,
Ethical leadership is hard to define according to research cited by Yukl, (2013). Ethics depends on time, culture, and laws. We can attempt to define ethical leadership by looking at the leader’s behavior, values and how he or she influences followers (Yukl, 2013). Every organization has ethical and moral guidelines stipulated through their policies, rules and regulations. A leader who is honest and trustworthy can be said as an ethical leader. But it depends on how the behavior is reflected in the organization and the employees. Ethical leadership can also be defined as to whether the behaviors violate cultural customs and laws of the society. Personal morals and ethics may be in conflict with managing the organization
Leaders who treat their employees with fairness, honesty, and provide frequent, accurate information are seen as more effective. According to Robbins and Judge (2014), “trust is a primary attribute associated with leadership and followers who trust a leader are confident their rights and interest will not be abused” (p.193). The old General Motor Corporation had eleven different CEO’s from 1923 until 2009 each with their own unique leadership style, which directed employees toward the organization goals. Unfortunately, many of the top level managers under the CEO’s had the tendency of filtering out information that did not match up with their pre-conceived notions about a particular issue and they lacked upward communication. One consumer goal of General Motors was to build trust in the company so people would be repeat customers, but building trust between employees and establishing an ethical culture was not a top priority of the organization. Goal directed leadership alone is important, but differs from a structure of leadership based on ethics. It is important to note, that effective leadership may not be the same as leadership founded on ethical principles. Business competence must exist, along with personal leadership accountability in ethical decisions. Within the General Motors organization, ethics and leadership did not interconnect; there were misalignment between the
To apply this system of moral values effectively, one must understand the structural levels at which ethical dilemmas occur, who is involved in the dilemmas, and how a particular decision will affect them. In addition, one must consider how to formulate possible courses of action. Failing in any of these three areas may lead to an ineffective decision, resulting in more pain than cure.” Ken Blanchard states, “Many leaders don’t operate ethically because they don’t understand leadership; these executives may have MBA’s from Ivey League schools or have attended leadership training; they may routinely read the best-selling management books, however, they don’t understand what it means to be a leader.” They don’t model a way of ethical behaviors.
Looking at the ideas behind what ethical and leadership mean you can easily find someone who exemplifies being ethical and one who exemplifies leadership. When choosing a ...
Lastly, the key to successful leadership is getting all of one’s followers on their side. In order to achieve this, leaders must gain all their followers trust. Bennis outlines four key elements to gain this trust. Primarily, constancy must be enforced. Leaders must stay the course. Second, congruity is essential. This is so the leaders can “walk the talk.” Third, reliability is needed so that leaders are present when it matters most. Lastly, leaders honor their commitments through integrity. All of these important, aspects gain the trust of their followers by their side.
Joseph, James A. "Leadership And The Changing Role Of Ethics In Public Life." Lecture. Models of Ethical Leadership for a Changing World. University of Texas. Jan. 2001. Web.
We don’t need to see ethical leadership as a weak or a soft-hearted concept of a leader. An ethical leader that bring out characters such as forgiveness, love and trust can become an advantage to that leader. These character or value are able to make his or her subordinate to bring out their hidden capabilities that is give positive impact to their work, increase the commitment of the employee to their own work and company, also get rid of the feeling of distrust by the employee to the leader. This kind of leader may touch the heart of their subordinate trough their sincerity, and able to inspire them to act ethically also. By building strong relationship that is beyond boss and employee relationship, all of the vision and mission of the company can be transferred and understand well by those who work under
Mullane, Susan P. "Ethics and Leadership." Ethics and Leadership (2009): n. pag. Web. 17 June 2014.
From corporations to nonprofits and higher education institutions, leaders – the cornerstone and foundation of organizations – are ultimately responsible for its success. Nonetheless, leadership, often described as complex, can mean different things to different people. Given no standard approach to leadership exists, scholars focus on the process of leadership as opposed to the definition (Northouse, 2013). As a process, leadership is not simply possessing formal authority, traits, or attributes. Quite the reverse, leadership is primarily a relationship – engagement and interactive exchange – between leaders and followers (Morrill, 2007; Northouse, 2013). Effective leadership, commonly regarded as both a learned skill and innate ability, is
Leadership is a process by which an individual influences others to accomplish a mutual objective and most scholars can agree that leadership can be defined as the nature of the influencing process. Leaders carry out this process by applying their leadership attributes, such as beliefs, values, ethics, character, knowledge, and ski...
The five principles of ethical leadership are respects others, serves others, shows justice, manifests honesty, builds community. These five principles reflect characteristics of a good leader. A leader should have these principles in order to well-rounded and work with any type of person.
Currently, leadership is generally understood as a person with insight and wisdom of guidance, which expected to be efficient in management responsibilities like planning organizing, and monitoring performance (Kandola, 2004, p. 144). In addition, making ethical decision is important to individuals who value and take seriously institutional...
Organizations are constantly tested with various moral and ethical problems and dilemmas. Organizational leaders are the key to establishing an ethical climate in the workplace. By understanding and improving their own moral reasoning, and the biases that affect moral judgment, they enable themselves to make better decisions. This has a catalytic effect that positively increases organizational climate, ultimately improving all organizational behavior.
Ethical leadership organizational ethics and socially responsibility are inseparable (Johnson). Leadership is not a inherited gift or family heritage; it is not a degree from an ivy league graduate school. Becoming a leader is an intentional process of growth that must be lived out experientially (Mullane). Ethical leaders demonstrate three distinctive characteristics, knowledge, action and character. Leaders have to have the ability to say “yes” or even “no” to a never ending series of challenges. A leader needs to be able to define their values, character and leadership style. When accepting the role of leadership you become encumbered by ethical issues and concerns. .
Good, strong, ethical people can have an immeasurable impact on a company as well. “Ethical leadership creates an ethical culture. Top managers provide a blueprint for a firm’s corporate culture. If these leaders fail to express desired ethical behaviors and goals, a corporate culture evolves on its own to reflect the values and norms of the company” (Ferrell, 2015). “Leadership has a significant impact on ethical decision making because leaders have the power to motivate others and enforce the organization’s norms, policies, and viewpoints” (Ferrell, 2015). Often employees will look to management and top leadership for clues as to what is acceptable and what is not. It is not only important to have good role models in those top positions, but to have a culture where they can fully express their ethical