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BUS499 – Week 8 Discussion – Ethical Leadership
Part 1
What are the key characteristics of an ethical leader?
How does ethical leadership impact employee motivation and organizational culture positively?
This week you read Ch. 14 in The Leader of the Future 2. In this chapter the authors discuss the concept of servant leadership.
Discuss two examples of how servant leadership can ward off unethical behavior. One example should be from the book and the other should be applicable to your chosen company.
Part 2
Provide a substantive response to one of your classmate’s Post (Christy Hof.).
Hello Class,
The key characteristics of an ethical leader include several core characteristics: integrity, transparency, and fairness. Integrity involves consistently aligning actions with values and principles, ensuring that decisions are made with honesty and moral clarity. Transparency means openly sharing information and decision-making processes, which encourages trust and accountability within the organization. Fairness is about treating all individuals equitably, avoiding favoritism, and making decisions that are just and unbiased. Additionally, ethical leaders demonstrate empathy and respect for others, which helps in building strong, respectful relationships. These traits collectively contribute to a positive and ethical work environment, reinforcing the leader’s commitment to doing what is right even in challenging situations.
Ethical leadership significantly boosts employee motivation and shapes a positive organizational culture by setting a standard for behavior that employees are inspired to follow. When leaders consistently demonstrate ethical behavior, they create a work environment grounded in trust, respect, and fairness. This encourages employees to align their own actions with these values, leading to higher job satisfaction and motivation. Employees are more likely to feel valued and respected, which enhances their commitment and engagement. A strong ethical culture also reduces workplace conflicts and fosters a sense of belonging, as employees feel they are part of an organization that values integrity and ethical conduct. Overall, ethical leadership creates a supportive and positive atmosphere that drives organizational success and employee well-being.
In The Leader of the Future 2, the example of Southwest Airlines illustrates how servant leadership can prevent unethical behavior. Herb Kelleher, the founder of Southwest, encouraged a culture of empowerment and service among his employees (Goldsmith, 1). By enabling frontline staff to make decisions and prioritize customer service, Kelleher ensured that employees were motivated to act ethically and responsibly (Goldsmith, 1). This approach created a work environment where ethical behavior was encouraged and rewarded, leading to exceptional customer service and a positive organizational reputation.
Applying this concept to Tesla, servant leadership can be seen in how the company promotes innovation and ethical practices among its employees. For instance, if Tesla’s leadership encourages engineers and designers to take ownership of their work and make decisions that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices, it can deter unethical shortcuts or compromises. By encouraging a culture where employees are motivated to align with the company’s values of sustainability and integrity, Tesla can enhance its commitment to ethical behavior and innovation, ultimately driving the company’s success and reputation.
Frances Hesselbein & Marshall Goldsmith. 2006. The Leader of the Future 2 : Visions, Strategies, and Practices for the New Era.
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