right vs. right – the complexity of leading ethically
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Right vs. Right – The Complexity of Leading Ethically. Kristina Ricketts, Ph.D. July 29, 2009. Today’s Objectives. Define the basics of ethics Introduce Kohlberg’s theory of moral development Outline ethical leadership behaviors Determine why ethical decision-making can be difficult - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
KRISTINA RICKETTS, PH.D.JULY 29, 2009
Right vs. Right – The Complexity of Leading Ethically
Today’s Objectives
Define the basics of ethicsIntroduce Kohlberg’s theory of moral
developmentOutline ethical leadership behaviorsDetermine why ethical decision-making can
be difficultEstablish what affect groups/organizations
have on leadersDiscuss two types of ethical leadership
What do you think?
Is right and wrong always clear cut and easy to recognize?
Do you think we have a problem with ethical leadership in today’s society? Why or why not?
Think of a personal example where you were faced with an ethical decision – what did you do?
What you may perceive as a simple lie…that doesn’t hurt anybody and protects the
company, sooner or later will come back to bite you… If you can’t be open and honest at
all times, you’re sending a signal to the organization that you will let them get away with lying occasionally. And that includes
lying to you.
- D. Clare, CEO, Johnson & Johnson
Important Definitions
Morals: an individual’s determination of right and wrong
Ethics: a set of moral principles; the study of moral obligations
Moral leadership: to display a commitment to right action while influencing others
Values: something (as a principle or quality) intrinsically valuable Influence individual morals, ethics
The Basics of Ethics
Two types of ethics Ethics of justice – based on principles of justice,
fairness, equality, and authority Based on moral principles, laws that should be applied
equally Style can be cold, inflexible, uncaring
Ethics of care – based on the principle to reduce harm or suffering to others Based on equity, appropriateness, and fitting the
situation Special circumstances considered Responsive to suffering and harm – but may seem
arbitrary/subjective
Moral Development
Three stages (Kohlberg’s theory) Preconvential – ages 4 to 10
Something is good because of adult influence, or it satisfies a need we have
Conventional morality – begin to consider what is good for others/or the whole
Postconventional (develops as an adult) – develop appreciation for moral principles, individual ethical thinking Includes principles of justice, equality of human rights,
respect for dignity of human beings as individuals Some individuals never get to this stage
Moral Conduct
Moral leadership involves… Ethical conduct of leaders AND Capacity to inspire such conduct in followers
Moral character Fixed character traits – partially responsible for
ethical behavior Upbringing, background
Moral conduct is highly situational Heavily influenced by peer pressures/reward structures
Ethical Leadership Behavior
Being honest & trustworthy – deal with integrity Leaders today are often seen as untrustworthy Integrity: working under a loyalty to rational
principalsPay attention to all stakeholders
Treat everyone involved fairly Authentic leadership – perceiving leadership role
to include having an ethical responsibility
Ethical Leadership Behavior
Build community Helping people to achieve a common goal
When people work together towards a common goal, building community
Respect the individual Keep promises, telling the truth, treating others
fairly – shows respectAccomplish silent victories
Working “quietly” on an ethical agenda
Ethical Decision Making
Four components of ethical decision making: Moral awareness: recognition that a
situation raises ethical issues
Moral reasoning: determining what course of action is ethically sound
Moral intent: identifying which values should take priority in the decision
Moral behaviors: acting on ethical decisions
Guidelines for Ethical Decision-making
Is it right?Is it fair?Who gets hurt?Would you be comfortable if the details of
your decision or actions were made public in the media or through email?
What would you tell your child, sibling, or young relative to do?
How does it smell?
Contributing Factors to Ethical Issues
Individual leaders differ Level of greed and gluttony Level of moral development
Preconventional, conventional, postconventional Sense of entitlement Specific situation – organizational culture Person’s character
Organizational Influence on Ethics
Factors contributing to unethical climates Elevation of personal interests over moral values
Enron – hypercompetitive, profit-at-any-cost environment
“Rank and yank” evaluation system – financial performance key indicator
Mutual peer rewards Key point – Many leaders failed to exercise appropriate
moral oversight and create a climate that would encourage it
Ethical indifference Moral leadership isn’t made a priority
Difficulty of decision-making in organizations “Right vs Right” decisions
Values-based Leadership
Values-based leadership: understanding the different and conflicting needs of followers, and energizing followers to pursue a goal than they had never thought possible Effectiveness – measuring the achievement of the
objectives Morality – measuring how change affects
concerned parties, and Time – measuring the desirability of any goal
over the long term
Social Change Model of Leadership
Basic premises: Values demand a conscious focus Leadership out to bring about desirable social change Leadership is a process Anyone is a potential leader Service is a powerful vehicle for leadership development
Seven core values: Personal/individual values
Consciousness of self, congruence, commitment Group values
Collaboration, common purpose, controversy with civility
Societal/community value Citizenship
Review
Define the basics of ethicsIntroduce Kohlberg’s theory of moral
developmentOutline ethical leadership behaviorsDetermine why ethical decision-making can
be difficultEstablish what affect groups/organizations
have on leadersDiscuss two types of ethical leadership
Questions?