Ethical Leadership Flashcards
Ethics
What we understand to be good and right behavior and of how we judge those behaviors.
Its a set of standards that guide decisions and actions
Military Ethics
Values and expected rules of the profession that are appropriate to actions taken within the military environment
Ethical behavior
Acting responsibly in difficult and or complex situations with quality character and judgement
Ethical Relativism
Definition of right and wrong depends on the prevailing view of a particular individual, culture or historical period. NOTHING IS OBJECTIVELY RIGHT OR WRONG
Ethical Leadership
Combines ethical decision-making and ethical behavior, and occurs in both an individual and organizational context
Ethical dilemma
When one is forced to chose between 2 alternatives when both alternatives are unfavorable and less right and more right or less wrong and more wrong
Morals
System of beliefs that help us define right from wrong
Ethically minded organization
Exemplifies professionalism, humility, self-control, personal discipline, and values.
Values
Core beliefs we hold regarding what’s right and fair in terms of our actions and our interactions with others.
IE. What we believe to be of worth and importance in our life.
Ethical Code
Intended to be central guides and reference for users in support or day to day decision making
Examples of Ethical Codes
AF Core Values
Oath of Enlistment
Air Force Instruction
UCMJ
Types of ethical Dilemma
Uncertainty
Competing Values
Potential Harm
Uncertainty
When there may not be a clearly established policy, procedure or rule for handling the situation
Competing Values
Personal values conflict with those of the institution, subordinate, peer, or supervisor
Potential Harm
The intentional or unintentional (good or bad) consequences caused by your actions.
4 Ethical Traps
Ethical Relativism
Loyalty Syndrome
Worry over image
Drive for success
Ethical Relativism
Whether the action is right or wrong depends on the moral norms of the society
OR
Morality is relative to the norms of one’s culture
Loyalty Syndrome
making decisions based on respect and\or loyalty to an individual, unit or organization rather that on military rules, regulations and codes of conduct
Worry over image
Making decisions based on how they’ll impact your reputation or standing among peers, subordinates, supervisors, or community rather than on military rules, regulations and codes of conduct
Drive for success
Decisions are made based on a “win at all costs” attitude rather than on military rules regulations and codes of conduct
Ethical principles include the Three
Os
Ps
Rs
Ds
The Three Os
Owing- Knowing who and what you OWE
Ordering-Displaying ORDER by having moral structuring and ethical principles
Oughting-Understanding what airmen OUGHT to do
The Three Ps
Principle-Truth telling and honor
Purpose-Mission accomplishment and duty
People-Fellow citizens, Airmen and soldiers
The Three Rs
Rules-Provide people ethical guidance
Results-Outcome and bottom line-consequences of following or not following those rules
Reality-Results of recognizing the importance of the situation, circumstances or realities
The Three Ds
Discern-The truth
Declare-the truth
Do-what you’ve discerned
What is Tipping the Organizational Climate
When you act with professionalism you help tip the entire organization to the positive side of the scale
Continuum of Professionalism
How you measure Progressive Professionalism
5 Steps of ethical decision making
- Interpret the situation
- Analyze the Situation
- Identify ethical traps
- Consider possible courses of action
- Decide the most ethical course of action
Dr. Toner’s 6 Tests
Shame Test Community Test Legal Test Situation Test God Test Consequences Test
Shame Test
If made public would it be embarressing
Community Test
Would it be able to withstand the scrutiny of your community
Legal Test
Must obey the rules of Law
Situation Test
Is it truly the best thing to do
God Test
What would your role-model do if they were in your shoes
Consequences Test
What will be the second or third order effects of your decision
Use Dr. Toner’s 4 Supporting Principles to Decide most ethical Course of Action. They are…
No Rewards for unethical behavior
Sanctions and forgiveness for Mistakes
Take appropriate action for dereliction or misconduct
Applying, Prudence first and justice second
