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Importance of ethical leadership
The ethics of diversity
Importance of ethical leadership
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Schein in his book “Organizational Culture and Leadership” explains how different believes and behaviors start to be logical when we understand their cultures by stating “When we learn to see the world through cultural lenses, all kinds of things begin to make sense that initially were mysterious, frustrating, or seemingly stupid (2010, p.13).” This kind of foresight should be the starting point in order to manage the tremendously growing diversity in the workforce nowadays. Leaders and administrators of both public and private organizations through their influence are responsible to promote and manage diversity in an ethical manner.
Throughout this semester—as a class—we discussed why and how diversity is important, and how we can manage diversity in successful and productive approach. My aim in this paper is to clarify what—I believe—ought to do as an ethical leader toward promoting diversity. First, I will briefly discuss the importance of ethical leadership and diversity. Then, I will
Currently, leadership is generally understood as a person with insight and wisdom of guidance, which expected to be efficient in management responsibilities like planning organizing, and monitoring performance (Kandola, 2004, p 144). In addition, making ethical decision is important to individuals who value and take seriously institutional leadership and the challenges required in sustaining organizational and personal integrity (Donlevy & Walker, 2011, p 9). Therefore, as a leader acting ethically and promoting both ethical behaviors and deliberations within an organization is a mandate to sustain healthy and productive organization. Furthermore, designing an ethical environment where conflicts could be discussed and resolved should be on the t...
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...ted to persevering during the long process of learning and relearning that the new paradigm requires (Thomas & Ely, 1996, p 6)”. I believe that leadership must dedicate their efforts to create an organizational environment where diversity can lead for further success.
Strong commitment from leadership—as described by Riccucci—is the first component in in effectively managing diversity. She further states that “if top-level leaders communicate that a program to manage diversity is a critical goal for the agency and that it is integrated into the overall strategic goals of the organization, the stage is set for commitment by lower-level managers, supervisors, and the employees themselves (Riccucci, 2002, p. 28).” Leaders are frequently seen as a model, and therefore if they are not strongly committed to a goal, the followers will follow regardless of the consequences.
They have to understand and practice the tools needed to manage a diverse workplace. As discussed in The Loudest Duck leaders can employ these methods to obtain a harmonious, all-inclusive environment: appreciate, promote, employ and celebrate diversity. Leaders must show appreciation and interest in the diversity of their workforce, not just look at percentages and how those are fulfilled but truly engage in understanding and developing the challenges and successes diversity brings. They need to understand how their subconscious is predisposed towards other's differences and develop a character and attitude that is not biased or predisposed to people and situations that are only similar to them. It's important for leaders to have an open-door policy that encourages sharing thoughts, rationale and feelings will help unify the diverse workforce. Leaders more than others need to understand that for a company to succeed everyone needs to feel valued and appreciated regardless of the
To apply this system of moral values effectively, one must understand the structural levels at which ethical dilemmas occur, who is involved in the dilemmas, and how a particular decision will affect them. In addition, one must consider how to formulate possible courses of action. Failing in any of these three areas may lead to an ineffective decision, resulting in more pain than cure.” Ken Blanchard states, “Many leaders don’t operate ethically because they don’t understand leadership; these executives may have MBA’s from Ivey League schools or have attended leadership training; they may routinely read the best-selling management books, however, they don’t understand what it means to be a leader.” They don’t model a way of ethical behaviors.
In the research of Organizational behavior and Organizational development Science, there is not much of research has been done regarding the matter of moral dilemmas in multicultural organizations and the double standards that are set on minority experts in the work environment. The research that is accessible is overwhelmingly fixated regarding the matter of diversity. While both of these issues are related with diversity , the distinction between the two organizational dilemmas fall under there own denomination.
Throughout this semester—as a class—we discussed why and how diversity is important, and how we can manage diversity in successful and productive approach. My aim in this paper is to clarify what—I believe—ought to do as an ethical leader toward promoting diversity. First, I will briefly discuss the importance of ethical leadership and diversity. Then, I will shadow on other dimensions in understanding diversity and how to achieve them. Finally, I will conclude with my personal statement which is: “diversity—besides being a positive tool both ethically and economically— goes beyond to be the guiding tool for a bright future for the mankind. I believe that accepting diversity has a profound positive effect not only for organizations but to all societies worldwide.”
The impact of diversity in the workplace is contingent upon several factors. Across companies diversified workforces are becoming increasingly common. To successfully manage a diverse workforce, organizations are ensuring that employees understand how their values and stereotypes influence their behavior toward others of different gender, ethnic, racial, or religious backgrounds; are gaining an appreciation of cultural differences among themselves; and behaviors that isolate or intimidate minorities are being improved (Noe et al., 2010, pg. 302).
Today’s management in the workforce is composed of all types of people verses thirty years ago when white males held a majority of upper-management positions in companies. These positions are now held by a mixture of ethnic back grounds and women who hold just as many if not more management positions then men. Just by looking at the changes in management demographics shows how important it is for people to understand cultural competency in the workplace. Dr. Roosevelt Thomas Jr. (1999) stated, “Diversity is the collective mixture of whomever we have in our workforce characterized by their differences and similarities” (p.11). Managers and supervisors must understand the characteristics of a diversity mature individual; they also need to be able to articulate the differences between affirmative action, managing diversity, understanding and valuing diversity to build skills that transforms awareness into productive and supportive workplace behaviors.
On a more individual level, openness to human diversity plays a role in adjusting to the changes of the future. People are discovering that even within cultures, individuals come from diverse backgrounds, have different personalities, and prefer different ways of life. Young leaders can build a stronger relationship with their followers as they enhance their own appreciation for human diversity. As people become more diverse, leaders must learn how to communicate with them as individuals if a vision is to be shared, a cohesive group to be formed, and a goal to be achieved. Despite differences in opinions, the leader and followers can work together to complement each other as they move toward the mission of the group. By exposing themselves to all kinds of situation and communicating with many types of people, young leaders can develop an appreciation of human diversity. Conflicts caused by differences among individuals' personalities and cultures have created many ethical issues, and the number will only increase in this global society.
In this changing world, one that is seeing companies taking advantage of the global economy, words such as diversity and inclusion need to be treated as more than just buzz-words. The principals that embrace diversity and allow for inclusion are critical if an organization is going to succeed in the business world of today and of tomorrow.
Barak, M. E. (2005). Managing diversity: toward a globally inclusive workplace. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications.
Although my supervisor had some personal conflicts with me due to ethnic differences, I did not feel any sort of biased decision or comments on my performance from him. He kept his personal conflicts with me aside and gives honest reflections on my performance appraisal. This reflected his ethical decision making practice that ethnic, gender, and age differences are of no importance in organisational environment. In other words, I should comment that the ethical decision making and diversity are the elements playing their important role in the organisational behaviour. The aspects of diversity and ethical decision making have enabled me to enhance my vision and experience in organisational behaviour. I have learned the significance of these aspects not only in the professional life but also in my personal life. For instance, I have opportunity of meeting different people from different backgrounds, age, and qualifications. This sort of opportunities has enabled me to learn communication skills, decision skills, creative skills, and innovative
According to Kinicki, diversity represents the multitude of individual’s differences and similarities that exist among people. When developing a cultural diversity training program, one has to manage diversity with a new approach of inclusion and recognition. Managing diversity enables people to perform up to their maximum potential (Kinicki p. 111). As we analyze diversity, we will evaluate some common barriers and challenges in managing diversity. In developing a diversity program, we will analyze methods and procedures that will be apart of the program. Kinicki (p.*) says an important first step in overcoming these obstacles is for leaders to convey to their employees why the organization values diversity.
In the workplace, it is common to encounter individuals of different cultures, ethnicities, and genders. This diversity can either lead to an introduction of new work methods, or it can lead to conflict between coworkers. In order to avoid conflict, and have all employees work as a cohesive team, managers must educate themselves, and their employees on the topic of cultural diversity. In order for your practices to be considered effective, you must not only respect and recognize an employee’s diversity, you must use their difference to benefit them.
Within an organization, there are always people that think and behave differently, all dependent on their personal values and cultures. Efficient managing of the human resources is an art, and it is hard to find a perfect solution/combination. It is important that management recognize and understand that people work differently. This is why it is important to have strong cultural foundations that also guides how employees are expected to behave and work. Thereby it should be easier for management to utilize the work force diversity to something meaningful.
The military service spends a lot of time training soldiers to become leaders, while teaching skills to increase the knowledge aimed to transform smart, young people into effective leaders. Basic Training, Noncommissioned schools and Officers program pick up where the civilian schools leave off. Think about programs on workplace diversity, with their stress on communication and team building. An important component of team building is cultural change, because if teams do not work effectively all employees must understand and embrace cultural change. There is no doubt that today's leader’s success depends on how they mold and develop cultural change
Ethical leadership organizational ethics and socially responsibility are inseparable (Johnson). Leadership is not a inherited gift or family heritage; it is not a degree from an ivy league graduate school. Becoming a leader is an intentional process of growth that must be lived out experientially (Mullane). Ethical leaders demonstrate three distinctive characteristics, knowledge, action and character. Leaders have to have the ability to say “yes” or even “no” to a never ending series of challenges. A leader needs to be able to define their values, character and leadership style. When accepting the role of leadership you become encumbered by ethical issues and concerns. .