Power abuses, ethics in leadership Flashcards
Why might leaders engage in unethical behavior?
Personal Gain - Leaders may act unethically for financial benefits or power.
Pressure to Perform - Compromising ethical standards to meet targets.
Power and Status - A sense of invulnerability or entitlement, disregarding rules.
Moral Disengagement - Redefining actions as morally acceptable or minimizing the harm caused.
What is the “destructive nature of power without status”?
Power without status refers to having influence over others without legitimacy or respect. Leaders in this position may feel insecure and engage in destructive behavior to assert control.
What is the Enron case and its significance in studying unethical leadership?
Enron was a corporate scandal involving fraudulent accounting practices leading to bankruptcy in 2001. It’s significant because it exemplifies the consequences of unethical leadership on a large scale.
Define Destructive Leadership and give examples.
Destructive Leadership is when leaders’ actions harm an organization or its members. Examples include bullying, harassment, micromanagement, deception, and abuse of power.
How can organizations prevent unethical leadership?
Establish and enforce codes of conduct.
Provide ethics training.
Create an ethical culture.
Implement a system of checks and balances.
Promote transparency and accountability.
What are some best practices for ethical leadership?
Set a positive example.
Communicate ethical expectations.
Promote transparency and accountability.
Encourage ethical decision-making.
Respect diverse perspectives.
How can trust be rebuilt after a leader engages in unethical behavior?
Acknowledge the wrongdoing.
Make amends.
Take corrective action.
Demonstrate a commitment to ethical behavior.
Difference between unethical leadership and destructive leadership.
Unethical leadership involves violations of ethical standards and values. Destructive leadership involves behavior that harms the organization or its members, which may or may not be unethical.
What are the consequences of destructive leadership?
Reduced job satisfaction.
Lower levels of commitment and motivation among employees.
Increased turnover rates.
Decreased organizational performance and productivity.
Key characteristics of ethical leaders.
Honesty.
Integrity.
Trustworthiness.
Transparency.
Encouraging open communication.
Respecting diverse perspectives.
Accountability.
Challenges in promoting ethical behavior for leaders.
Balancing demands of stakeholders.
Dealing with conflicting values and interests.
Navigating complex ethical dilemmas.
Managing pressures to meet targets.
