Personal Ethics In Leadership

Introduction:

The aim of this week’s literature synthesis is to understand the relationship between personal ethic and ethic as a leader in an organization. Moreover, the role of ethic in action research will be illuminated.

Does absolute ethics exist?

Firstly, it is important to understand more deeply what ethics mean. According to McDonald (2010) plays the construct of ethical relativism and ethical absolutism a crucial role in understanding the ethical theory. In fact, the central question is if a universal ethical standard exists or not. Supporters of the ethical relativism deny the existence of a global ethical and moral standard. They argue that ethics is depending on social customs, conventions or cultures (McDonald, 2010). Nevertheless,

Is there an absolute business ethics construct?

For instance, Badaracco (1992) argue that business ethics possess four different spheres (one in private life, one as an economic agent, one as a company leader and one beyond firm’s boundaries). In contrast, Milton Friedman argues that the only business moral of a manager should be to serve the shareholders (Holt, 2006). Thus, from my point of view Milton Friedman, the father of the monetary theory, suggest that there is an absolute moral standard in business: To satisfy the shareholders! In my practice, I met a few managers who told me that in business only the numbers count, but in private life, they assured me they have of course a completely different moral and ethical understanding. But it is possible to have two different moral standards (one in private and one in business)? According to Cunliffe (2004) can critically reflective practice help in making decisions not just founded on profit and margin. That means critically reflecting practice helps in increasing awareness of different perspectives. For Cunliffe (2004) it is

According to McKay and Marschall (2001) represents the action researcher a “sandwich” position between action and research. It is clear that any action influences the environment of the inquired organization including ethical behavior. Therefore the action researcher must understand the present ethical standards and possible ethical consequences regarding his action. Moreover, the researcher brings his own values and ethical standards inside an organization. According to Coghlan and Brannick (2014) is particularly the insider action researcher also confronted with political issues. Thus, an insider action researcher has to think further how ethics and political power are linked with each other. As echoed by Cunliffe (2004) the researcher has to build up good relationships with all relevant stakeholders for achieving ethical objectives. This includes that the (insider) action researcher must have the willingness to trust relevant stakeholders and to accept contrasting viewpoints (Holt, 2006). Moreover, Holt (2006) points out; that rhetoric is a valuable tool for developing the moral character of managers and from my point of view helpful in strengthening relationships and trust while conducting action