Ethical Leadership (Coursework Sample)

Ethical Leadership
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Ethical Leadership
Leadership within all aspects is a distinct and special flair that not all individuals possess. According to Mendonca & Kanungo (2006), ethical leadership is knowing one’s core values, principles, code, conduct and having the boldness to live by them in all aspects of one’s life in service to the common good. Johnson and Parry (2008) emphasize on leadership with a greater purpose. They advocate leaders to not only develop their leadership abilities, but also influence their members by doing the right thing. In my experience, I think ethical leadership is leadership that involves leading, in a way that respects the dignity and rights of others. Naturally, leaders are put in positions where they have social powers at their disposal. Ethical leadership focuses on ways leaders make use of their social powers in actions and conduct they engage in, the decisions they make and ways they influence others.
The values of a leader are central to his leadership style because of the impact they have on organization’s value and the need to engage their members in accomplishing organizations goals. In the past, the prime goal of management was to increase productivity, production and profits. However, this view has started to diminish slowly in the 21st century because more human resources and organization development experts affirm that likewise, leaders too have the responsibility of ensuring standards of ethical and moral conduct. Good leadership then points out to not only competence, but the values that transform the lives of people and organizations.
As Bass & Steidlneier (1999), highlighted, The ethics of leadership is built upon three essential pillars which are; the leaders moral characters, the processes involved in the morality of social, ethical choices as well as the actions that both the leaders and followers passionately engage and pursue collectively, the ethical legitimacy of a leaders value deeply embedded in his articulation, vision and the ultimate program which followers either reject and embrace. A healthy, positive and ethical culture can improve the overall morale of workers within an organization and in turn it might increase productivity and improve employee retention. All this means that the organization will have higher levels of productivity and reduce the costs involved in replacing employees.
Northouse (2012) has highlighted five distinctive principles of ethical leadership. These principles can be traced down the memory lane to the times of Aristotle. These principles provide a firm foundation for the cultivation of social ethical leadership. According to the principles, ethical leader respects others. An ethical leader should have respect for others as well as him. Respect is a little bit complex and goes way deep than the kind of respect taught to children by their parents. A leader that respects his colleagues is tolerant and empathetic.
Justice is another paramount ethical principle that a leader should possess. A leader who is ethical should be more concerned with the issues of justice and fairness (Northouse, 2012). If a leader is fair and just, then he can treat his followers in an equal way. Currently, my departmental head is fair and just. She ensures all team members under her are treated fairly. We all manage out workloads as expected and in situations where we are behind schedule; she treats or punishes the whole team fairly and in the same manner.
Honesty is the fourth principle that Northouse (2012) highlights. Honesty remains one of the most vital virtues and is best understood when the opposite (dishonesty) is thought. Dishonesty is simply lying or a way of misrepresenting reality. In the past, I worked under a leader who stole from the company. It was difficult working under him but within no time he was caught and terminated. Honesty goes a long way.
The last major principle of ethical leadership according to Northouse (2012) deals with community. An excellent ethical leader builds a community by being attentive to the group’s interest and considers the purpose of the people involved. In my place of work, the organization does a good job in building the community of employees. The organization has annual surveys where employees are asked to suggest ways they can improve and build a better environment in the place of work. The compiled report is then submitted to the senior leadership team. A solution is then reached for the good of both the organization and its employees.
In summary, issues of ethics are likewise the central issues that affect leadership. Such issues as personal challenges of authenticity, self-discipline, duty, self-interest, moral obligation akin to justice and competence are all ethic issues that affect the overall direction of a leader.
References
Mendonca, M., & Kanungo, R. N. (2006). Ethical leadership. Maidenhead [u.a.: Open Univ. Press.
Johnson, B. and Parry, K. (2008) A very short, fairly interesting and reasonably cheap book about studying leadership. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Bass, B.M. & Steidlmeier, P. (1999) Ethics, character, and authentic transformational leadership behaviour. Leadership Quarter 10(2)
Northouse, P. (2012) Leadership: theory and practice (6th Ed). Thousand Oaks, Ca: Sage Publications.
MIAMIE SOPHIA INZIANI
â–ª ADDRESS: C/O OBED OTOTO â–ª P. O. BOX 95350, MOMBASA, KENYA â–ª
â–ª MOBILE: 0735606164/0700580467 â–ª EMAIL: miami.sophie@gmail.comâ–ª
D.O.B.:10/10/1985
Sex:Female
Marital status:Married
Nationality:Kenyan
Availability:Immediately
SUMMARY/ CAREER OBJECTIVE
Main Objective: To mold my career in a field where I will use my skills effectively while giving my very best to my employer
PERSONAL STRENGTHS
* Excellent communication and time management skills
* Strong leadership and management capabilities
* Superior analytical and interpretational skills
* Good level of English spelling and grammar
* Excellent team work ethics
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
March 2010 – Present
Freelance Academic Writer
* Seasoned academic and article writer with impeccable writing skills.
* The articles are extensively researched with good grammar.
November 2008– January 2010Institute of Development StudiesMombasa, Kenya
College Tutor in the Department of Entrepreneurship
* Carried out research and teaching within the department.
* Supervise and assist with supervision of students
* Participated in the development and marking of assessments and exams
April, August, December 2006Gates of hopeEldoret Kenya
Counselor/Peer Educator
* Carried out Mobilization of youths within the age of 18 – 35 to participate in youth training on HIV/ AIDS home based care and drug abuse
* Facilitated counseling with those vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and those who abused drugs.
* Trained youths on basic counseling, substance, ...