Ethical leadership is defined as “leadership demonstrating and promoting ‘normatively appropriate conduct through personal actions and interpersonal relations’.” When you boil it down, this really means that ethical leadership is defined as putting people into management and leadership positions who will promote and be an example of appropriate, ethical conduct in their actions and relationships in the workplace. In the business world today, ethics are an increasingly important element and point of discussion. So leadership with ethics is very important to understand, to develop, and to recognize in the business world. If you want to become a business leader, learning about ethical leadership is crucial to help you get there. It's your responsibility to model moral behavior in the workplace when you're in a position of power in an organization. Integrity, moral behavior, and ethics are key to being a great leader. Learn about the value of ethical leadership, how to become an ethical leader, and see examples of leadership with ethics around us in the business world today.
Leadership that is ethical is important for a variety of reasons, for customers, employees, and the company as a whole. Leadership skills are crucial to help create a positive ethical culture in a company. Leaders can help investors feel that the organization is a good, trustworthy one. Customers are more likely to feel loyal when they see leaders in place in an organization. Good press is likely to come when there are ethical leaders in an organization. Partners and vendors will similarly feel they can trust and work well with an organization when they see leadership that is ethical displayed. In the short-term, ethical leaders can help boost employee morale and help them feel excited about their management and their work. It can increase positivity and collaboration in your organization and make everyone feel happier to be at work. In the long-term, ethical leadership can prevent company scandals, ethical dilemmas, and ethical issues. It can also help organizations gain more partnerships and customers, which can lead to more money at the end of the day. Loyal employees are also a crucial element of long-term success for a business. At the end of the day, Leadership with ethics and ethical principles have major short-term and long-term benefits for organizations and individuals alike.
There isn’t just one correct way to lead ethically. However, there are some basic elements that are fairly consistent among ethical leaders. Behaving in an ethical manner takes consideration and thought. Developing these traits will help you start on the journey to become an ethical leader.
Let’s now look at some examples of ethical leadership, and some poor examples of leadership, so you can understand even more clearly how to become a leader who models behavior that is ethical. Poor examples of leadership.
Good examples of leadership.
If you’re going into business, it’s just as valuable to know valuable leadership qualities as it is to know the specific skills and lingo. WGU can help you have the qualifications and credentials you need to succeed, but it’s vital to also learn and start to develop ethical leadership qualities as an important part of your career journey.
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