Ethics and Leadership

The Challenge of the 21st Century

Definitions Ethics

A system of moral principles or values

The study of the general nature of morals and moral choices

The rules of conduct

Morals The principles of tight and

wrong in relation to human behavior and character

Teaching correct behavior Standards of right or just

behavior A precept or general truth

The Difference between Ethics and Morals

Morality refers to standards of behaviors by which people are judged

Ethics encompasses the system(s) of beliefs that support a particular view of morality

Norms Written or unwritten

laws, codes, regulations, customs, or standards created and maintained to control behavior constituting social order.

Values Subjective

evaluations of what one actually likes, esteems, desires, approves, enjoys, and regards as important.

CultureA conceptual descriptor for shared norms and values

Moral TheoriesSets of assumptions that test and determine right and wrong behaviors

Utilitarianism Ends based Whatever produces the greatest

good for the greatest number is right

Examine the possible results and pick the one that produces the most blessings over the greatest range

Political Legislation

The Categorical Imperative

Rule based Immanuel Kant Follow only the principles that

you want everyone else to follow Fixed rules, obligation, and duty Act in a way that your actions

could become a universal standard

Virtue Ethics Care based The Golden Rule Test your behaviors by putting

yourself in another’s circumstances imagining how you would feel if you were the recipient rather than the perpetrator of your behaviors. Empathetic living

Core Values Truth Loyalty Individual rights Community standards Short-term consequences Long-term consequences Justice Mercy

Dilemmas Situations or

circumstances that involve choosing between equally powerful core values

Dilemma Paradigms Truth versus Loyalty Individual versus

Community Short-term versus Long-

term Justice versus Mercy

Ethical/Moral Leadership What moral theory applies or

informs the leader best how to decide or act?

What core values are involved in the situation?

Do the people, circumstances, and culture provide salience to making a choice