Ethics and Leadership The Challenge of the 21 st 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.

Culture A conceptual descriptor for shared norms and values

Moral Theories Sets 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