Leadership in Business Ethics

The report discusses the concept of ethics in business leadership, focusing on two main types: Deontological (rule-based) and Teleological (outcome-focused). It also explores how these ethics play out in the entertainment industry, using Charlie Sheen as an example of poor ethics and Oprah Winfrey as a leader who exemplifies good ethics. The report highlights the importance of ethical leadership in driving success and making positive impacts, citing Oprah's philanthropic efforts and charitable donations.

0Running head: Leadership in Business
LEADERSHIP IN BUSINESS
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1Running head: Leadership in Business
Executive Summary
This report discusses about the ethics in business. It also focuses on the good and the bad ethics
and digs deep into how it works in the entertainment industry in Hollywood. As an example it
takes Oprah Winfrey and how see has risen her way to the top with her leadership skills.

2Running head: Leadership in Business
Table of Contents
Introduction..........................................................................................................................3
Ethics in Business Leadership.........................................................................................3
The Entertainment industry in Hollywood..........................................................................3
Oprah Winfrey’s leadership.............................................................................................4
Conclusion...........................................................................................................................5
References............................................................................................................................6

3Running head: Leadership in Business
Introduction
Ethics in Business Leadership
There are two main types of ethics in business, firstly there is Deontology or
Deontological ethics is a moral theory which is used to judge the correctness of an action on the
basis of rules. It is also referred to as duty or rule based ethics as because there are rules which
compel one to do his or her duties. These ethics are in sharp contrast to virtue ethics,
consequentialism and pragmatic ethics. Here action is more important than the outcome (Trevino
and Nelson 2016).
The other one is the Teleological ethics where one is more focused on moral
consciousness so that a desirable ending can be achieved. It believes that every decision is taken
with a clear estimation of results regardless of the actions.
Most leaders around the world try to focus on Teleological ethics particularly in
companies which need to show good annual outcomes to shareholders . They judge a decision as
good when results outweigh acts (Trevino and Nelson 2016). The leadership chosen for this
report is public leadership as the aim of this piece is to weigh it in an organizational structure. In
an organization public leadership is needed to run the company successfully, hence it has been
zeroed in on (Tuan 2012).
The Entertainment industry in Hollywood
The chosen industry here is the entertainment industry. Here Hollywood has been taken
into account where there is always suppose to be a mixture of good and bad ethics.

4Running head: Leadership in Business
Firstly, there’s Charlie Sheen who ironically played a character with ‘Ethical’
consciousness in “Wall Street” but recently he has been in the news for threatening his pregnant
wife by holding a knife at her throat. However, being the superstar he is he kept his job with
CBS hit TV show Two and a Half Men. Media write-ups finally pushed him out of the show but
it is said he charged a lot of money to those same houses speaking about the professional and
personal controversy.
Oprah Winfrey’s leadership
On the other hand there is Oprah Winfrey who has ruled Hollywood with her ethics and
good moral behaviour. Organizations actually want leaders who are perceived of having high
character (Northouse 2014). Not all leaders can show ethical characteristics and drive towards
creating a change. Ethical leadership boosts self awareness, helps emotional intelligence,
improves social and communication skills and monitors feelings (Trong 2012).
Winfrey started off as an anchor of a TV show where she hosted celebrities. Through her
wit and questions she grew in stature and is called the queen of television now. Her
communication skills have helped her to connect with people from different backgrounds (Peck
2015). Everybody sees her as a caring individual. She has become a charismatic leader though
she had very humble beginnings in Mississippi.
Winfrey with her fame and money has influenced the world like a true leader should do.
She has awarded a lot of grants supporting women education in United States and globally.
According to Forbes she has given away almost 400 million dollars for educational causes by
2012. She has also paid around 40 million for operation in the Oprah Winfrey Leadership
Academy in South Africa.

5Running head: Leadership in Business
Conclusion
Business ethics and behaviour are of foremost importance if a company or organization wants to
climb the ladder of success in the world. Winfrey would not have gone where she is today if she
decided to keep all her money intact and just spend on herself.

6Running head: Leadership in Business
References
Northouse, P.G., 2014. Introduction to leadership: Concepts and practice. Sage Publications.
Peck, J., 2015. Age of Oprah: Cultural Icon for the Neoliberal Era. Routledge.
Trevino, L.K. and Nelson, K.A., 2016. Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it
right. John Wiley & Sons.
Trong Tuan, L., 2012. The linkages among leadership, trust, and business ethics. Social
Responsibility Journal, 8(1), pp.133-148.