ethics leadership Flashcards
ethics definition
derivative from the greek word ethos, meaning customs, conduct, or character
focuses on
virtuousness of individuals and their motives
-concerned with the kinds of values and morals an individual or society ascribes as desirable or appropriate
two domains of ethics
- conduct
2. character
conduct involves
- consequences (teleological theories)
- ethical egoism
- utilitarianism - duty (deotological theories)
character involves
virtue-based theories (aretaic theories)
deontology
- “looking for the guiding rule”
- if its not against the rules it must be allowed
- divine command theory
- the spirit of the rules
teleology
-“the end is more important than the means”
-utility of an act
(utilitarianism)
(weighing the good against the bad)
-consequences of an act
(consequential)
(weighing the consequences against the value)
altruism
- aretaic (virtue) ethics
- authenticity
- benevolence
- ghandi
influence dimension
of leadership requires the leader to have an impact on the lives of followers
ethical climate
leaders help establish and reinforce organizational values
5 principals of ethical leadership
- respect others
- builds community
- serves others
- shows justice
- manifests honesty
respect others
- listens closely to subordinates
- is emphatic
- is tolerant of opposing viewpoints
shows justice
- all subordinates are treated in an equal manner
- in special treatment/special consideration situations, grounds for differential treatment are clear, reasonable, and based on sound moral values
serve others
- mentoring behaviors
- empowerment behaviors
- team building behaviors
- citizen behaviors
manifests honesty
- are not deceptive
- tell the truth with a balance of openness and candor while monitoring what is appropriate to disclose in particular situation
builds community
- takes into account purposes of everyone in the group
- is attentive to interests of the community and culture
- does not force others or ignore intentions of others
strengths
- provides a body of timely research
- provides direction on how to think about ethical leadership and how to practice it
- suggests that leadership is not amoral, should be an integral part of leadership
- highlights principals and virtues that are important in ethical leadership development
criticisms
- lack a strong body of traditional research findings
- relies on just a few individuals that are descriptive and anecdotal
- strongly influenced by personal opinion
application
- can be applied to individuals at all levels of organization and in all walks of life
- managers and leaders can use this to better their leadership (work in progress)
- use ethics as a benchmarks for their own behavior
