Ethics is a set of principles that govern human behavior. In our daily lives, we are always trapped between choosing what is right and wrong. In doing so, we are forced to develop our own code of conduct for self-improvement without causing discomfort to others. The ability of individuals to develop good ethical backgrounds fosters relationships in the society since they learn to lower the barrier between themselves and others. It is important to note that ethics is about actions followed to reach a given decision. In most cases, we make rational decisions without considering its impact on others. Circumstance and limited time frame may compel people to avoid embarrassment by lying. In an ethical leadership perspective, it is important to clarify a consistent approach that an individual can follow in making crucial decisions. This concept is reinforced by the fact that people encounter dilemmas that needs sober decisions. More so, leaders need to establish proper decision-making mechanism that is accurate, reliable and feasible.
In analyzing ethical consideration from a leadership perspective, it is worth revisiting some of the major underpinnings of ethical beliefs. Personal values influence the code of conduct developed by an individual. Values are the foundation through which the society uses in judging human behavior. Therefore, an individual’s judgment will entirely rely on what is considered right and wrong in the society. Therefore, it is very clear that personal values act as a guide for human behavior. With this knowledge, the code of conduct developed by an individual will have a major influence on the adopted decision-making approach. This is because personal values have a direct influence in the prioritization of life demands ( Howard & Korver, 2008) . Even though most people do not verbally state their values, it is important to note that they are engrained in their persona until they become invisible. In contextualizing the major underpinnings of ethical beliefs, it is important to note that they are two major types of values and these include; instrumental and terminal. Terminal values describe an individual’s long-term goals in life. These may include religious salvation or freedom. Instrumental values, on the other hand, describes an individual’s set of behavior that helps them achieve lifelong targets. Concepts such as ambition, obedience, and patience are the foundation of an individual’s quest for long-term success.
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A legal dimension is another underpinning that dictates ethical beliefs. In every society, the institutions of government draft some policies that act as a guide on what is regarded as being wrong or right. Therefore, people in the society are expected to behave according to the stipulations of the law. The society can, therefore, use these laws as a basis of judging human behavior. It is also important to note that this concept overlaps with self-interests. Prudential is a term used to describe the key tools defining interests on a personal level. Therefore, the integration of the legal dimensions and the prudential concept influences the kind of decision-making approach embraced by an individual in the society.
In most cases, people fail to establish a clear line between what is considered wrong and right. Negative ethics are the things that are considered wrong in the society. Positive ethics, on the other hand, implies the concepts considered right in the society. Therefore, in any decision-making approach, it is important for an individual to differentiate the two concepts. For instance, killing for survival is a justifiable act in the society. With this knowledge, it is important for individuals to consider religious beliefs, self-interest, and the law as the major underpinnings in formulating a feasible code of conducts. However, such rules should not be strict because alternative actions can also provide viable solutions to the ethical dilemmas.
From a personal level, ethical leadership is about making choices that matter in dilemma situations. This includes setting up standards that are key in my code of conduct. Based on this concept, stealing, deceiving and harming are the major foundations in which both legal issues and personal values are founded ( Howard & Korver, 2008) . First I would consider analyzing my obligations regarding the stated position in the society. who do I serve? My parents, family, workers or investors? In doing so, it is important to analyze some of the concepts that are regarded as being just in the eyes of the society. For instance, does justice imply sharing earnings equally or distributing it based on the level of contributions? In making such decision, the above stipulated underpinnings will provide a basis of formulating the decision-making approach. However, major considerations are made regarding ethical issue intensity. This is a concept that ensures that the decisions made are within the expectations of the subjects. Ethical issue intensity mainly reflects the sensitivity of the action towards the target group. In my code of conduct, deceiving and lying is wrong. However, exceptions exist if the lies are intended to save a life, protect property and to avoid punishments. Stealing, on the other hand, is wrong except when saving others. Lastly, harming is wrong except for self-defense.
In an ethical decision-making process, it is important to identify the problem. In everyday life, we are faced with hard decisions which normally compelled us into making rational decisions without even understanding what the main problem is. From a personal point of view, individuals should not seek to look at the atrocities associated with the problem but the values and legal laws violated by the action. In any society, the legal dimension provides viable solutions to the committed violations in the society. Also, from a religious point of view, there are a set of solutions recommended for individuals violating the stipulated cultural norms. In this process, a leader should also seek to identify and mitigate some of the consequences that may result from the implementation of the projected solution. Form a personal point of view; this step requires thorough reflection since it is ethical to protect other individuals from the effects of the problem. This is a personal value that helps to nurture a good relationship with people in the society.
The second step in making decisions while in a dilemma involves testing the code of conduct by gathering viable information. This process helps to enlighten a leader on some of the challenges that may occur with the implementation of the solution. More so it is worth considering the ethical issues and the beliefs that govern the society. The main aim of this process is to measure the logic, focus, and usefulness of the drafted code of conduct. From a religious perspective, it is a norm always to tell the truth. Therefore, when faced with a dilemma, I would consider gathering relevant information from my peers, mentors and personal conscience and then evaluate the suggestion based on what I consider to be true. However, this evaluation and assessment process involves comparing the decisions to the predominate ethical concepts. In an ethical leadership perspective, the suggested decisions should not violate the legal backgrounds. However, the suggested code should show its usefulness ( Howard & Korver, 2008) . Is the written standard achievable? This question helps to asses if the suggested standard is applicable in a real world. With this knowledge, the persona values should act as a guide when formulating a given code of conduct.
The next step in making a code of conduct involves refining it. Clarifying the degree of separation, drawing sharper lines and considering hierarchy are the main concepts to be considered when refining the code. When faced with a dilemma, I would consider brainstorming on some of the possible solutions before seeking advice from a higher authority. However, the suggested alternative course of action should always be based on the personal values and legal system governing the society. For instance, bribery is considered an evil concept both in legal and religious perspectives. However, some dilemmas make one consider bribery a justifiable act. For instance, when bribing to get medication for a dying patient is a justifiable concept. However, in this state, my code of conduct will involve setting up alternative solutions that are not meant to contradict both legal and religious dimensions. This course of action is reinforced by the fact that some solution may jeopardize personal relations with other members of the society (Howard & Korver, 2008). For instance, standards such as terming the sale of tobacco wrong because of its effects to non-smokers define the degree of separation. With this knowledge, the proposed solution should always seek to protect others from the atrocities of the problem.
The next step this code of conduct is to decide on the final decision by analyzing the enumerated alternatives. This process always seems difficult since some decisions may harbor similarities. From a personal point of view, I would consider making a decision that is based on all the values governing my code of conduct. Is the decision made accurate, feasible and just? This is the guiding question when making a final decision. Based on what the religion and the legal law considers right is wrong will act as a cornerstone in coming up with the final decision. I would consider making a decision that doesn’t demean my status and relationships with other members of the society. With this knowledge, the decision should address the problem by first protect the other members of the society.
When in a dilemma, a viable solution will always serve as a reprieve. Therefore, after making the final decision, it is worth committing to the drafted code of conduct. The ability to act is one major trait of leadership. This concept measures the confidence that the subordinate or any other individuals can judge a person. The implementation of the decision also acts as a measure of confidence in a leadership platform. I would consider this exercise key since it provides a chance to measure the results and review the possible consequences. If the results do not meet the desired objectives, there is a need to make possible modifications before implementing the strategy. From an ethical perspective, if any adjustments need to be made, it is worth testing the adjustments before implementing the main course of action again. This concept is meant to reduce the wastage of resources and the sensitivity of the matters to the society.
Based on the above approach of decision-making process, a good leader should always seek to go beyond his or her obligations. Setting up of behavioral standards and holding every member accountable is a skill that molds a good leader. From a personal perspective, making cultural values a basis of decision making provides a means to nurture feasible relationships in the society. Even though it is important to base the decision-making process on the key cultural and legal perspectives, it is worth considering the personal interest in the process. Proper decisions are always created from personal interests.
Reference
Howard, R. A., & Korver, C. D. (2008). Ethics for the real world: Creating a personal code to guide decisions in work and life . Harvard Business Press.
