...Ethical Leadership in Organizations Lisa Hunsucker MGT 380 April 19,2010 Leadership is by all means a special talent that not all people possess. A leader must also have ethics to be effective for the long term in the corporate world. These leaders generally implement ethical programs in order to influence an organizations climate (Yukl, 2010). I will evaluate the importance of ethical leadership and the role it plays into today’s organizations. In addition, I will discuss the repercussions a company may have when its leadership allows and even rewards unethical business practices. Lastly, I will apply my personal leadership perspective. My perspective will include the path-goal theory and ethical practices that I find important to leadership in an organization. Ethical Leadership In the midst of making money in a business, when do ethics come into play? In any organization an effective leader must have people that will follow him or her. Generally speaking people will follow someone that is ethical and moral over a leader that is dishonest and immoral. This is just my observation through years of working. I know for me and many others the leaders I have followed, they were highly ethical in their business practices. The most effective leaders were those who empowered their employees to follow the same model of integrity. Velasquez (2006) states “when employees believe an organization is just, they are more willing to follow the organization’s managers, do what managers...
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...Running Header: ETHICAL LEADERSHIP 1 Ethical Leadership Kendra D. Nord PHL 3354- Management Ethics The College of St. Scholastica May 6th, 2016 ETHICAL LEADERSHIP 2 Introduction Our society depends on the abilities of our leaders and how well they can do their jobs. To me, a leader is someone that many people look to for direction, guidance, and inspiration. It is important for our leaders to have the aptitude to make difficult decisions, to know and do what is right for the people. A higher authority is crucial for supervising and regulating others as well as being an example of a hard and dedicated worker. Ciulla (2004) believes ethics is the heart of leadership and a good leader is ethical and effective. In this paper I analyze the importance of personal ethics in leadership and how ethics produce effective leaders. The traits’ I believe an effective leader has is; character, competence, compassion, courage, and to be open to change. Throughout this paper the reader will develop an understanding of what is personally required to become an ethical and effective leader. Ethical Leader Traits Leadership is a relationship between people. Therefore, the ability to ethically influence others is a major determination of effective leadership (Waggoner, 2010). Strong Personal Character is possibly the most important characteristic of a leader. A person’s true character is who they...
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...and organizational design comes from understanding how and/or why ethics is important to organizational design. This will illustrate any underlying influences ethics has on business structure and design. The third section of this paper reviews and groups the literature found linking ethics and organizational design. Literature is grouped together based on the similarities found in authors’ opinions, research and/or results. The next section discusses the ideas of micro and macro ethics; first defining them, illustrating the differences and then explaining how they come into play when examining the link between ethics and design. The following sections of the review, provides examples of formal organizational structures, ethical programs, and the ethical decisions that impacted them. Finally, in the conclusion of the review it summarizes the relationship between business ethics and organizational design, how this relationship impacts business, and what this means for business managers. Introduction To sustain in a global economy, organizations must strategically decide how to divide work and activities and coordinate these activities so that related functions are controlled and organizational goals are met. To do this, the organization must consider multiple factors, including; it external environment, along with the internal systems and processes used to convert it available resources into...
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...Student Name: Tan Yong Wei Student No.: Topic 1: Business codes are the most effective instrument for preventing unethical behavior in the workplace. Business codes are widely used globally to prevent unethical means in the organization, an increasing number of companies have adopted business code ethics, 52.5% of Fortune Global 200 companies in 2004 (Kaptein, 2004) compared to 87% of Fortune Global 200 companies in 2008 (KPMG, 2008). Business codes are a set of official document disclosed by and for a business firm to guide the behavior of managers and employees (Kaptein and Schwartz, 2008). The business code prescribed are related to matters such as human rights, labor conditions, ecological environment, confidential information, conflict of interests, fraud, corruption, product quality, profits, sexual harassment and competitions (Kaptein, 2011). Business codes ethic (BCE) are the fundamentals for corporate social responsibility (CSR) which are used to appraise companies for ethical performances and citizenship. Organizations with excellent CSR are rewarded with fame and reputations (Patick M., 2011), thus leading to better sales and company’s stock price (Ron Robins, 2011). However, business code and CSR appraisal can only prevent unethical behavior in the organization to a certain extent. For example, 15% of Ernst & Young’s executives were prepared to commit unethical conducts to win businesses even though the company implemented business codes (Christopher M., 2012)...
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...the people of whom he/she would like to work with, a specific type of educational background, or a certain income bracket of a person can lead to discrimination and prejudices against employees within that company. Personal differences of one’s culture, race, or even their appearance or characteristics should not come into play when working at a company. Diversity of an organization is vitally important and if someone is bias to a person’s personal difference, then someone can be treated unfairly or overlooked when that said person may have valuable input and resources that could help a department or company. In the 2005 National Business Ethics Survey conducted by the Ethics Resource Center, they would that ethical culture has more impact on achieving an effective ethics and compliance program than program inputs and activities. Furthermore, the survey found that employees who perceive their managers, upper-level supervisors, and co-workers displaying Ethics Related Actions...
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...and organizational design comes from understanding how and/or why ethics is important to organizational design. This will illustrate any underlying influences ethics has on business structure and design. The third section of this paper reviews and groups the literature found linking ethics and organizational design. Literature is grouped together based on the similarities found in authors’ opinions, research and/or results. The next section discusses the ideas of micro and macro ethics; first defining them, illustrating the differences and then explaining how they come into play when examining the link between ethics and design. The following sections of the review, provides examples of formal organizational structures, ethical programs, and the ethical decisions that impacted them. Finally, in the conclusion of the review it summarizes the relationship between business ethics and organizational design, how this relationship impacts business, and what this means for business managers. Introduction To sustain in a global economy, organizations must strategically decide how to divide work and activities and coordinate these activities so that related functions are controlled and organizational goals are met. To do this, the organization must consider multiple factors, including; it external environment, along with the internal systems and processes used to convert it available resources into...
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...Compliance Program An ethics and compliance program is essential for all organizations contrary to the beliefs that some may have. Effective ethical and compliance initiatives are a combination of high moral, spiritual, with ethical beliefs that are formulated and executed with obedience to the law as well. Some feel that ethics are derived from logical reasoning or observation. Others may feel it is the gut feeling that decides ethics. Companies with no ethical program stand the risk of limited or no success with unethical behavior. Leadership must be the leading example of the ethical and compliance program. Planning an ethical and compliance program could be a huge undertaken in the beginning, but the benefits are astounding and worthwhile (Rae & Wong, 2012). This plan for the 186th Air Refueling Wing’s (186 ARW) Communication Flight in Meridian, MS will reside within the Quality Assurance (QA) shop whose office sits beside the commander. The QA shop will maintain and update the plan as necessary. This plan will establish an ethics and compliance program that will consist of knowing the importance of ethics and compliance guidelines, establishing and maintaining the code of conduct to include the formal letter from the Communication Flight Commander, method of code introduction, establishing an ethical culture, handling ethical issues to include reporting, and knowing the policy regarding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to include its reward program...
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...Organizational behavior is ones actions and attitude toward one another or the organization and its effect on the organization’s functioning and performance. Understanding organizational behavior can give managers an idea of what factors are necessary to create an effective and successful organization. Organizational behavior is a non-performance related set of practices which when implemented in organizations lend good credibility to the organization for its ethics.(Campbell) Ethics involves moral issues and choices and deal with right and wrong behavior.(Luthans) Businesses need people who have strong moral leadership skills and who are guided by clearly defined business ethics. Ethical standards have an important role not only in business decisions but also in a person’s everyday life. If a person is making unethical decisions others tend to not want to follow that person and the level of respect and trust are diminished, which can lead to a shift in employee organizational behavior. Even though there is not a published set of ethics to follow the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) has a code of ethical principles that include honesty, fairness, objectivity, and responsibility. The following responsibilities are standards in which all members should comply: Competence, Confidentiality, Integrity, Objectivity, and Resolution of Ethical Conflict. An effective leader should maintain a high level of confidence, integrity, and credibility by upholding his/her ethical responsibilities...
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...from management-managers pursue stability, while leadership is all about change (Barker 2001, p.491). In organizational terms, as in life in general, ethics are beliefs about what is right or wrong, they provide a basis for judging the appropriateness of behavior and they guide people in their dealings with other individuals, groups and organizations, managers are witnessing to those right and wrongs. (Khar, Praveen & Aggarwal,2011; Hansen, 2011). As Wines (2008, p.484) commented: ‘At bedrock, those who profess ethics believe that human beings are autonomous moral actors capable of making meaningful choices’. 6Approaches to ethics tend to fall into one of two philosophical camps: the consequentialist (teleological) and the non-consequentialist (deontological) (Pettit2003; Harper et al, 1996). Consequentialists argue that ethical values are meaningless unless they are actively promoted. For consequentialists, the focus is on outcomes rather than motives. This view is most closely associated with the 18th and 19th century philosophers Jeremy Bentham (Goldworth1983), Mill (2002) and Sidgwick (1981). Non-consequentialists take a similar view of the importance of ethical values, but deny that the rightness or wrongness of behavior is determined by the goodness or badness of its consequences. They...
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...Kelli Harper March 19, 2016 BA3110 2. What are some essential skills for an effective project manager? How can these skills be developed? Strong leadership ability, ability to develop people, excellent communication skills, good interpersonal skills, handle stress, problem solving, negotiating, and time management skills. Gain experience, learn from others, Interview project managers that have the skills you want to develop in yourself, conduct a self-evaluation, and learn from your mistakes, mentor, participate in education and training programs, join organizations such as Project Management Institute, read subscribe to journals or look up articles, earn a credential, and volunteer. 3. What leadership skills have project managers with whom you have worked possessed? How can you develop these skills? Good communication skills, interpersonal skills, developing people skills, leadership skills, the one I can say that she was lacking in was the ability to handle stress. I can shadow her, interview her, read and study articles, take some classes on effective Project management, continue to evaluate myself. 9. What is meant by the term delegation? Why is delegation essential for project management? Give examples. Delegation involves empowering the project team to accomplish the project objective and empowering each team member to achieve the expected results for his or her area of responsibility. It is the act of allowing individuals to carry out assigned task successfully...
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...should follow a moral code known as business ethics. We are responsible to follow this code of ethics and should never cheat under any circumstances. Business ethics are applied in almost every business to ensure that a certain level of trust will exist between the customers and the business. Integrity, Honesty, fidelity, charity, responsibility, and self-discipline are some values that are considered as part of the Business ethics. We have to take responsibility and rectify this Issue in order to improve our image and our ethical performance Our priority now is to initiate a well implemented ethical program in order to improve the ethical culture of the company. Well, Building an ethical culture is not an easy mission and can take time, but it is not as hard as many companies may think. Everyone in this company should understand the meaning of an ethical culture, and what it takes to build one. This report will outline how to reinforce an ethical culture within the company and provide some specific recommendations needed to achieve...
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...Ethical behavior is a necessary condition for effective leadership. Why? Ethical behavior is the first and foremost precondition for an effective and impactful leadership. A modus operandi based on the high and lofty principles adopted by strong leaders is the hallmark of a successful team effort. The ability to bring out the best amongst a group of people, inspiring them to achieve growth, produce and go above and beyond their abilities to perform wonders is usually orchestrated by an ethics-driven leadership. We often hear about one’s skills to lead from the front or lead by example. Such leadership behaviors are only possible if the golden rules of ethics are strictly adhered to. An ethical leadership encourages living the values of institutional beliefs. It helps in developing brand loyalty, productivity and a healthy work environment. Over the past several years, I’ve been lucky enough to experience and thrive under a leadership that knows, respects and honors the virtues of ethical behavior. It would have been hard for us, as employees of Chevy Chase Bank, to endure the stress and strain of merger with Capital One Bank, were we not blessed with effective leadership. Our leadership’s ‘business as usual’ approach helped us to keep move and wade through the murky and muddy waters of the corporate rigmarole. Almost a year and a half after the merger, looking back, one can safely say that the ethical behavior demonstrated by our leadership is what helped us keep our...
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...essay will examine and analyze whether hiring ethical people is the key factor in encouraging and producing an ethical organization. Ethics refer to the moral standards set that enables an individual to tell what is right from wrong and what is good and bad. In today’s organizations, the importance of the code of ethics is more prevalent than ever. Code of ethics consists of various factors such as being honest, building trust, and upholding the ethical standards. Organizations that exercise ethical codes not only feel that it is a way to portray a positive image to the stakeholders, but also because it highlights its own organizational virtues and values. It is believed that such culture could cultivate and encourage more ethical behavior for the employees in the organization (Stevens, 2008).Code of ethics are also used to articulate the restrictions for the organization, and to set a benchmark of what is acceptable and unacceptable, boosting responsibility, and conveying the standard expectations demanded from the employees as well as the leaders in the organization (Stevens, 2008).The ethical codes can be described as an effective tool to promote ethical behavior in the organization(Stevens, 2008).However, researchers have came up with reports that hints that the practice of ethical codes are unproductive and they have failed to create an impact in an employee’s behavior(Stevens, 2008). One of the studies suggested that ethical codes are not suitable and were ineffective especially...
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...has established an effective ethics program has been successful in establishing an ethical culture. With this employees are often times going to have more ethical conduct. When establishing an effective ethics programs these are the key factors that need to be included: establish why is a program needed, code of conduct, ethics officers, appropriate delegation of authority, effective ethics training programs, system for monitoring, supporting ethical compliance and continuous efforts to improve ethics program. Included in these factors the program must also consist of research, best practices, include decision making process, Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Organization (FSGO) and the Sarbanes Oxley act (Ferrell, Fraedrich and Ferrell, 2008). Establish why a Program is Needed When employees are faced with a difficult decision within their company they often times know how to handle it or know who can help resolve the problem. People are faced with ethical dilemmas each day at work. Being able to trust that your employees have the ability to make ethical decisions can help improve the company’s overall behavior. Ferrell, Fraedrich and Ferrell (2008) suggest that “one reason why ethics programs are required in one form or another is to help sensitize employees to the potential legal and ethical issues within their work environment”(p. 209). In the efforts to establish an effective ethics program one must aware factors that influence the ethical decision making process...
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...In today’s world, many organizations and businesses need effective leadership in order for them to continue to be successful. Organizations without an effective leadership cannot correctly function or maintain the achievement of the company goals and visions. Effective leadership is a role dependent upon the leader and whether or not they can make certain their employees meet the objectives and standards of the company. There are a few things a leaders must know and show in order to encourage others to achieve higher levels of work. Many of the things leaders have to do does not come as a natural thing to them however it is acquired through much continued studying and hard work. Having the will power and desire can help a individual become an successful leader. Northouse describes leadership as a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal. Defining leadership as a process means that it is not a trait or characteristic that resides in the leader, but rather a transactional event that occurs between the leader and the followers. Leadership involves influence. It is concerned with how the leader affects followers. Leadership occurs in groups. Groups are the context in which leadership takes place. Leadership involves influencing a group of individuals who have a common purpose. Leadership is about one individual influencing a group of others to accomplish there common goals. Attention to common goals also includes leadership. Leaders...
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