what are the myths of ethics
ethics is about identifying wrongdoing or misconduct.
ethics is about following your conscience or gut instincts.
ethics is a matter of personal opinion
ethical behaviour is determined solely by upbringing or background
ethics is dogmatic
dogmatic means- they are inclined to lay down principles as undeniably true.
what are the truths about ethics
ethics considers what is right or what should be done in the face of uncertainty or conflict.
ethics involves reasoning
ethics are informed by specific knowledge
most ethical practices are defined and excepted.
organisational systems and culture powerfully influence ethical practice.
ethics takes other points of view into account.
ethics of leadership ( the virtues of leadership
the norms of ethical behaviour tend be described in the code of practice or established protocol, however this can be described as a ‘tick-box approach’
conversely, day to day practice can be highly reactive, as decisions are made to reduce short term pain or fire fight.
(both of these are low level managerialism, in contrast to leadership)
the ideal type of leadership resembles something like virtue ethics, with the leader representing and applying virtues which hopefully are shared amongst the workforce.
leadership of ethics (how leaders maintain ethical behaviour)
dissonance and helping people to be ethical.
Employee performance and efficacy depends partly on the way in which they are ideologically and ethically aligned with the organisational values
Ethical dissonance is inevitable at some points
A good leader will attempt to resolve ethical dissonance in constructive ways
how people respond to ethical dissonance
There are a range of possible ways in which ethical dissonance may be resolved, some constructive and some very destructive.
For example:–
Internalisation–
Narrative reframing– Organisational re-visioning– Change of role– Resignation/sacking– Whistleblowing/subversion– Concealment of activities–
Catalysis for constructive organisational change
ethics for leadership
Corporate cultures shape the ethics of the leaders which represent them.
dysfunctional organisations, there is a disconnect between the proclaimed values and behaviour such as treatment of employees or customers
leadership for ethics
Ells & MacDonald: “Healthcare organisations have some catching up to do.
They lag behind private industry in their attention to the ethical aspects of organisational life.
– First, identify what values drive decisions and actions within the organisation, and how they do so.
– Second, identify what values ought to drive decisions and actions within the organisation, and how they should do so.
– Third, develop mechanisms that ensure that the values that ought to drive decisions and actions actually do so.
building an ethics infrastructure
four strategies can be used to build a solid infrastructure:
conduct a formal process to clarify and articulate
the organisations values and link them to the mission and vision
facilitate communication and learning about ethics and ethical issues including values clarification and reflection on their link to practice
create structures that encourage and support the culture.
create processes to monitor and offer ethical feedback.
HOWEVER…
corporate structures are often highly resistant to change.
many leaders are arguably no more than very well paid followers (by and burnes 2013)
people are prepared to tolerate unethical behaviour within the workplace.
ethical leadership for organisational change.
Where are the ethical ‘pinch points’ in a health or social care organization?
– Are they best addressed by:
* Improving the leaders’ own ethical integrity?
* Helping employees to address the points of ethical dissonance?
* Making sure that the organisation’s stated values are implemented consistently and appropriately?
* Challenging the organisation’s values?
summary:
We can talk about ethics and leadership indifferent ways:
Leaders who are ethical people
Leaders who help their employees to act ethically
Leaders who shape companies that are ethical to their employees
Leaders who shape companies that make theworld a better place
