Ethical Theory

Business Ethics : Leadership and Moral Development

According to Macaluso (n .d , ethical leadership can be addressed as both a concept and an activity . The value of associating ethical theory with leadership in general is made necessary by this distinction because those in leadership positions may not always live up to the moral codes of conduct they might otherwise recommend to others . We all may conceptualize the nature of effective , ethical leadership we may all have a heightened awareness of its importance . But it is only in the midst of ethical dilemma , when

intervention is needed , that the morally-developed leader becomes apparent . As stated by Macaluso (n .d The question of ethical value arises in the midst of action and as a component of selection among alternatives (p . 1 . This means that ethical leadership is characterized by action the good leader makes the right choice when presented with alternatives

This ethical theory which pertains to leadership and moral development can be specifically attuned to business practices . Perhaps as a matter of convenience , Many executives and business thinkers believe that ethical leadership is simply a matter of leaders having good character (Freeman Stewart , 2006 ,

. 2 . Again , this notion seems to dwell only on the conceptual level of what makes a good leader It is conceptual because it is allowed to remain in an untested state It is perhaps easy to assume that those with the intelligence to become leaders in the first place automatically nurture a highly developed sense of morality...