Leadership Ethics Paper

Leadership ethics are an integral part of any organization which sets the culture for how the organization will operate and could potentially determine the success of the organization, as well as the leaders. The ethics piece generally covers decision-making based on what the individual considers is morally right or wrong (Bethel University, 2011). As one thinks about the ethics of an organization, we tend to focus on what those in the leadership role places as values within the organization. There are a number of things that we may consider as core values within an organization, and most are determined based on the individual serving in the leadership role of the organization. Some core values that we see more frequently within an organization

If I were a president of an organization, I would encourage the staff of the organization to focus on those same values of honesty, respect, service, excellence, and integrity. Although these are core values that are most often used; I believe they encompass a wide range of what we should consider important as it relates to the ethics of an organization. I currently work in a non-profit organization in which we provide services to low income individuals. It is imperative as we deal with a diverse group of individuals on a daily basis, who are often less fortunate than many others, that we hold true to those values relating to honesty, respect, service, excellence, and integrity. There are a number of ideas that come to mind for how these values may come into play when dealing with clients, as well as employees of the agency. For those employees who work on the service side of the Agency, we have to ensure that clients receive the most effective, efficient, and quality

My example of a participative organization is my current employer, Northwest TN Economic Development Council. The success of the organization does not solely lie on the shoulders of the Executive Director because he must have a support system to ensure that we carry out all aspects of program operations. While keeping that idea in mind, it is imperative that as the leader, he involves everyone in the decision making for the program. The leader must also set expectations with others in leadership roles and ensure a steady flow of those expectations to other staff. There are guidelines within some of the programs that we operate, which specifically state that the Agency must involve parents, as well as the governing body (trustees) in our decision making. We also regularly involve staff in our decision-making by encouraging them to serve on various committees. Based on my experience with Northwest being a participative organization, it allows a wealth of ideas and information to circulate among the service area, and it promotes buy-in of staff which improves staff morale. I believe if staff is knowledgeable about the mission and vision of the organization and are able to provide input related to any changes that may occur, it softens the impact for how those changes take place. Over my