The Vitality of Business Ethics in Leadership - Assignment Example

Managers first recognize the ethical and moral problem that arises, must apply the ethical principles to determine what is right, fair and just action or decision and in last, managers must have the moral courage of performing the ethical principles in ethical dilemma irrespective of the consequences or failure that might be caused by taking that decision. Implying these steps develops the feeling of commitment, trust, and truthfulness in the culture of the organization. According to Robert Noyce, "If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization", therefore managers have to lead as an example for their Dunkelberg and Jessup (2001) evaluated the cases of certain individuals who broke the laws and behaved in an illegal and unethical manner for the sake of temporary temptation, power or money.

All these individuals had already attained higher positions that enabled them to violate ethical principles. It shows that at a managerial level, it becomes easier to go against the ethical norms because the person possesses enough power and independence of taking the decision on their own judgment. Therefore, it is highly important for top management to maintain the culture of ethical standards and norms. According to a survey conducted by the Ethics Resource Center in 2000, when managers demonstrate ethical behavior at the workplace, employees are less prone to compromise ethical values by themselves.

The following are the ways that can be adopted by managers to persist in ethical behaviors at the workplace. Ethics Awareness Programs; Outside mentors and facilitators can be asked to escort the ethics awareness training by existing examples and helping employees in dealing with day to day ethical dilemmas. Internal communication; MBWA (management by walking around) technique can be useful for managers. It was introduced by Tom Peters in the 1980s. in this technique, managers get out of their cabin and initiate in a friendly manner that promotes ethical standards and helps in reducing resistance while communicating.

Walk the talk; Managers must be very consistent in maintaining ethical norms and standards in day to day life. Following principles one day and falling out of them the next day can be very damaging. Legal advice; Advice from a corporate attorney can be sought if there’s a chance of any unethical or uncertain situation to arise. Evaluate performance with ethics component; Managers must not only evaluate the performance of employees on the basis of accomplishment but also on how the results have been accomplished.

Employees must keep in mind the ethical norms incorporated by the organization in granting reward and also understand that they will be held accountable in case of any unethical situation that arises as a result of their acts.