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To be effective managers and leaders we have to balance our personal ethics of individuals working with us and the ethics of the organization. Value of Personal Ethics “Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have done unto you” (Sheriff, 2009). Many people live their lives by the Golden Rule, citing it as the foundation for their ethical and moral behavior. I truly believe we should conduct our lives by how we want to be treated. Why do we expect everyone around us to treat us fairly, but we not do the same in return?
Our values and ethics stem from the environment we live in, and it is constantly changed by the individuals we encounter and our surroundings. Williams Institute Ethics Awareness Assessment The assessment identified my tendencies to look at the intent behind the actions, rather than focusing on the results. By focusing on results, we begin to euthanize the human and see them as a means to an end. The obligation ethical perspective bases principles on what rational persons ought to do under any circumstances. (Williams Institute, 2006).
The assessment allowed me to reflect on how I see the world and how I can apply my perspective to everyday decisions. Must ask myself on a daily basis how my actions and decisions affect others around me. It is important to know that I can’t possibly make decisions that will be the best for everyone, but I can “hope for an understanding of the person next to me” (Sheriff, 2009). Influences on Ethics. “Kohlrabi’s model proposes moral development progresses through six sequential stages as an individual grows from a child to an adult” (Yuk, 2006, p. 425).
From a very early age, our families influence our moral development. Many of my views on how I conduct myself and how see the world was shaped by Japanese grandmother. I was taught to look within myself and ask how I would be affected if an unethical decision was made on my behalf. It was a lot to ask of a child, but it taught me to develop higher levels of thinking when addressing choices. As we develop our moral perspectives, we focus our “motivation on fulfilling internalized values and moral principles” (Yuk, 2006, p. 426). Applying Personal Ethics to Management Style
TO be an effective manager/leader, we malls be able to balance our personal ethics With the ethics of the individuals around us and the ethics of the organization as a whole. As a manager, our personal ethics are tested every day as we are faced with ethical challenges and conflict. The key to the “ethical challenge is not to impose his or her understanding of what is right on the group but to understand how other members view the dilemma” (Obduracy, 1998). Management Philosophy “Integrity, honesty and moral conduct are essential elements in a good leader” (White, 1996).
Walking the line between the moral perspectives of other and our own ideals, and how we choose to respond defines who we are as managers. Leadership starts within an individual and will influence everyone around them. “Well-intentioned business executives rely on some mix of corporate credos, statements of their own convictions and ethics hotness to set the ethical standards of their organizations” (Obduracy, 1995). Ethical leadership is a process that requires us to reflect on our own values.
As a manager I cannot simply look at the cost-benefit analysis when dressing issues, I must be able to pull from personal experiences as well as the values of the company to make a decision to benefit the greater group. The obligation ethical perspective guides me to the right choice, even though it may not benefit the greater good in the short-run. However, in the long run my choices will benefit the not just the individuals around me but the organization as a whole. Conclusion As I continue to develop my management and leadership style, must take my personal values and beliefs into my every day decision making.