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Introduction
Ethical conduct is important in leadership because it enables individuals to develop positive relationships. Trevino and Nelson (2017) define ethical conduct as a moral issue that guides and motivates people and positively affects how they relate with each other. For example, Jack Mas ethical behavior and philanthropic approach to leadership have enabled him to attract and develop positive relationships in China and across the globe. He has ensured that the interest and well-being of society influence his actions. Therefore, exploring a real-life ethical leader, Ethical Lens Inventory, and ethical theories are crucial when addressing the sales representatives ethical dilemma.
The Two Ethical Traits the Chosen Leader Has Demonstrated
The first ethical trait demonstrated by Jack Ma, Alibabas founder, is compassion. An ethical leader is supposed to be kind and often make decisions that benefit all stakeholders rather than pursuing selfish interests (Trevino & Nelson, 2017). Jack Ma has shown the attribute of a humane character by focusing on the good of society rather than the interest of the company. For example, he started the Jack Ma Foundation (JMF), which is dedicated to developing rural educators and entrepreneurs who are focused on the future, assisting rural children, young entrepreneurs, and women to develop. Therefore, he has ensured that decisions protect all stakeholders interests.
The second ethical trait shown by Jack Ma is justice, which is reflected in how he deals with stakeholders. According to Trevino and Nelson (2017), an ethical leader should always act with fairness and respect for everyone. Jack Ma ensures that every buyer and seller on Alibabas website is treated equally and fairly regardless of gender, race, or financial status. In addition, he treats his employees fairly by giving them fair pay and chances to grow at a personal and professional level (Freeman et al., 2020). Employees are treated the same in the workplace, bringing together people from different racial and sociocultural backgrounds.
Ethical Conduct of Jack Ma
Jack Ma has demonstrated ethical conduct by leading and interacting with other employees. He adheres to a number of business tenets, one of which is to prioritize the satisfaction of the customers rather than maximizing profits for the company (Freeman et al., 2020). A true definition of a leader who can effectively discriminate between good and wrong is the ability to put the feelings of others ahead of ones own. As a result, Jack Ma makes every effort to act in a manner that is morally commensurate with stakeholders.
Comparison of Deontological and Consequentialist Perspectives
The deontological perspective determines right or wrong based on universally recognized moral standards. In this approach to the ethical decision, moral principles are binding regardless of the outcome of an action (Trevino & Nelson, 2017). Based on this, some actions would be considered wrong even when the outcome is good and right even when the result is bad. For example, an accountant using a deontological approach would give accurate details of an organizations financial position even if the action negatively affects its reputation. Therefore, a deontologist prioritizes moral values to avoid the consequences.
Unlike deontologists, consequentialists believe that right or wrong depends on the outcome of an action. The approach is based on the idea that an ethical decision should maximize social welfare and reduce harm (Trevino & Nelson, 2017). Using this perspective, one would replace moral principles such as honesty, integrity, and compassion with the outcome of an action. In addition, they would look at the societal benefits and harm when deciding what to do. This shows that actions are morally right when they will benefit more people. As a result, a consequentialist major on the outcome of action than moral principles.
A deontological perspective can be used to solve the ethical dilemma in the case scenario. The sales representative does not know whether to make a contractual commitment to non-disclosure, which he signed with the company or fulfill the duty to adhere to moral principles and reveal critical information to patients. To distinguish right from wrong, deontologists determine whether the action is based on duty and adheres to established moral principles such as honesty, justice, and many more. To adhere to the moral principle of honesty and integrity, the salesperson must convey the message even if the action negatively affects the business.
On the other hand, the consequentialist perspective would take a different approach to solve the ethical dilemma in the case. Using this point of view, the sales representative should consider the consequences of disclosing the harm to the artificial knee joint. The outcome of revealing such information includes the organization incurring a loss and reputational damage. However, small harm could be experienced in a small percentage of clients who purchase the artificial knee joint by not disclosing the information. With consequentialist reasoning, not revealing the information would be right because it provides more benefits than harm to the patient, the sales representative, and the organization.
The Levels of Cognitive Moral Development
The levels of cognitive moral development are pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. At the pre-convention level, an individual tends to be self-centered, have an externally determined morality, and follow the rules set by authorities (Trevino & Nelson, 2017). At the convention level, a person is externally focused, less self-centered, and makes decisions based on the rules established by authorities to promote social order and not consequences (Trevino & Nelson, 2017). The post-conventional level is where an individual is principled and has developed beyond identification with others expectations and rules to make decisions (Trevino & Nelson, 2017). Therefore, the levels of cognitive moral development show the different ethical conduct that an individual might exhibit.
Which Action Would Most Likely Serve the Greater Good in Society?
The post-conventional level would serve the interest of society because individuals do not depend on the rules established by authority. At this stage, people can challenge the laws and standards set if they do not conform to the universal moral principles (Trevino & Nelson, 2017). Based on the case scenario, it would be harmful to society if the patients were given artificial knee joints because the procedure might harm some patients. A person at this stage of cognitive development would decide the morality of an action based on what they believe to be right and not what the authorities want or established rules.
If I Reveal This Information, Will I Get into Trouble and Possibly Even Lose My Job?
In this questions context, the relevant cognitive and moral development degree is pre-conventional. When a person is functioning at this level, they are typically concerned about the prospective repercussions of their behavior as well as the potential punishments they may receive (Trevino & Nelson, 2017). By inquiring whether they could get into trouble or possibly lose their job for exposing the knowledge, the individual demonstrates that they are more focused on themselves than on the situation at hand.
Which Action Best Aligns with My Long-Held Belief in The Principle of Justice?
In response to this question, the situation can be linked to a post-conventional stage of moral development. At this point, individuals begin to examine the guidelines to evaluate whether or not they are fair (Trevino & Nelson, 2017). When viewed from this perspective, justice is understood to be a right for humanity. Thus, even though the sales representative would violate the non-disclosure agreement, he would do what was right and safeguard the patients rights even if he broke the agreement.
What Do the Laws Say, and What Would a Law-Abiding Citizen Do?
Drawing from this question, the scenario would represent an individual at the conventional level of cognitive moral development because they seem to depend on laws set by authorities. At this stage, an individual typically wants to act in a manner that is morally acceptable and compliant with the rules and regulations that are in place (Trevino & Nelson, 2017). They would not engage in any conduct that would be considered illegal. As a result, the sales representative may believe disclosing this information is unlawful because he had signed a non-disclosure contract.
If I Keep Quiet, Will I Get Some Reward?
The question places the scenario at the pre-conventional level of moral development. In this case, the person wonders if it is appropriate to keep all of the information to themselves and if there is any possibility that they will be rewarded for not disclosing it. The individual is less likely to disclose the information regardless of its adverse impact on society when entitled to some form of compensation. Therefore, a person at the pre-conventional level is more concerned with what they get from an action rather than the injustice it might cause.
Reflection on My Ethical Lens Inventory
Based on the results of my ELI, my most preferred lens is reputation. It shows that my values are sensibility and equality when making ethical decisions. I tend to listen more to my instinct to determine the traits and values best serve the communitys interests. I believe that the finest outcomes may be obtained by studying each circumstance in the context of its unique circumstances as opposed to implementing solutions that are generic. As a result, my concern is the communitys well-being, and I feel that the best way is to guarantee that individuals are treated fairly.
Reflection on my Ethical Lens Inventory-Reputation
The Ethical Lens Inventory (ELI) is framed to assist individuals in determining core values that drive ethical decisions. I use the reputation lens from the four ethical perspectives to choose my actions. They are interested in collaborating with other people to determine what constitutes ethical excellence in the many roles they play as humans. This lens is one of the ethical theories known as virtue ethics theories, which examine how to establish whether or not certain behaviors are unethical. I give some thought to the habitual attributes of excellence as virtues necessary to display ethical excellence in the many roles I play within the community.
I usually have the same preferred perspectives in different settings and contexts. I use sensibility and mild equity to make ethical judgments at home, school, work, or even at a community meeting. I listen to my instinct to make informed decisions that can help me enhance my reputation. I talk to other people in any setting to listen to their views. I think action is moral if it is sensible and promotes equity. I respect other peoples rights to hold different views in social and political life. Therefore, sensibility and equality are integral when making ethical decisions.
Reflection On My ELI Primary Value Sensibility and Classical Virtue Fortitude
Sensibility is a value that involves following the heart rather than the head when making a choice. I support the entities in my community to ensure that those in power do not abuse their power and that those on the edge are not forgotten while still respecting the choice and responsibility of each person. I have the classical virtue of fortitude because I am brave in facing trouble and uncertainty. I try to grow up morally by being strong and facing hard things with courage, even when it is hard to listen to my instinct. Since I see the problems caused by having a hard heart and being self-righteous, I use my senses and brain to show compassion and courage.
There is a link between the value of sensibility and compassion. Sensibility is about listening more to the heart than the head. In this case, passions and emotions are used to achieve heart desires. I would require compassion to follow my heart and override rationality. There is a possibility that an individual can be sensible and disobey a duty or request. There is a close relationship between fortitude and my other value of risk-taking. Fortitude is the ability to face uncertainty and challenging situations with courage. To be a risk-taker, I must have the courage to overcome the problems I might encounter.
Reflection on My ELI Blind Spot
Drawing from ELI, my blind spot is unrealistic role expectations. I become overwhelmed due to my commitment to living according to my communitys views of a virtuous citizen. To please society, I have always strived to solve the problems that people experience without knowing that some individuals are responsible for their actions. To solve this, the first step I would take is to assess my capabilities. This will enable me to fit within my abilities rather than what other people want. The second step is to thoroughly evaluate a situation before engaging to help. With this, I would be able to focus on solving relevant problems.
Reflection on My ELI Workplace Situation
I would use the sensibility lens and mild equity to approach ethical situations in my workplace to ensure that I adopt the right action. I would apply a sensible thinking approach to foster position relationships with colleagues. I would learn from the respected role models in the community to adopt values that can help me attain that status. In addition, I would follow the organizations sensibilities and wisdom to embody the virtues that count for excellence. I would listen more to people to effectively understand their issues and develop solutions.
Conclusion
Drawing from ethical leadership of real life, ethical theories, and my ELI, ethical conduct is an important concept for the sales representative in the case of an artificial knee joint to make an ethical decision. As one of the most renowned leaders, Jack Ma has shown the traits of compassion and justice in his leadership. Ethical theories such as consequentialists and deontologists offer their views about what constitutes an ethical decision. The ethical lens is integral when examining the appropriate approach to a moral decision. For example, my sensible and mild equality lens indicates that I consider making decisions that would make me live the standards of ethical excellence.
References
Freeman, R. E., Parmar, B. L., & Martin, K. (2020). The Power of And. Columbia University Press.
Trevino, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2017). Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it right (7th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
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