Ethics for Leaders

Ethics for Leaders

Leaders provide guidance for their members . They do not only give s or command their followers . They also influence their vision their behavior , and sometimes , provide direction for their members

Because they are in a position to influence and must exude a sense of authority , they need a code of ethics to guide them . Leaders should know their values and must recognize the importance of ethical behavior so that their members would trust and follow them . If they consistently live up their own code of ethics , their members would

be more willing to obey them and work for them . The ethical leader is more influential than the one who is not (Heathfield , para . 2

Ethics , by definition , is the appropriate behavior mandated by the demands of a particular profession . The purpose of the profession dictates what would be ethical and unethical . Whatever behavior and action furthers the realization of the purpose is deemed ethical

Ethics , in general , are not laid out in black and white . There are a lot of grey areas in determining what is right and what is wrong Ultimately , the decision rests on the individual . This decision however , is still based on standards set up through a consensus from the community of professionals he belongs to (Cornett Thomas , 1995 Ethical choices , para . 1

Leaders , whether in business or in people 's organization , should include the following five items in their code of ethics : I shall not spy or employ people to spy on rivals or competitors I shall scrupulously and honestly report the organization 's financial situation I shall refrain from receiving bribes and gifts from people who might have a vested interest in my organization I shall avoid conflict of interests and remain free of associations that may damage my credibility I shall treat all members /employees with respect

An ethical leader is someone who has an established reputation of being consistent in upholding a code of ethics . He should also impart the importance of ethics and values in an organization to his members or followers (Treviso , Hartman Brown , 2000

Bibliography

Cornett , Z and Thomas , J (1995 . Integrity as Professionalism

Ethics and Leadership in Practice . Retrieved September 13 , 2006 , from HYPERLINK "http /www .fs .fed .us /eco /eco-watch /ew960123 .htm http /www .fs .fed .us /eco /eco-watch /ew960123 .htm

Heathfield , S . Secrets of Leadership Success . Poynter Online . Retrieved September 13 , 2006 , from HYPERLINK "http /humanresources .about .com /od /leadership /a /leader_values .htm http /humanresources .about .com /od /leadership /a /leader_values .htm

Treviso , Hartman , Brown (2000 . Moral Person and Moral Manager Developing a Reputation for Ethical Leadership...