Leadership Ethics and Professionalism

This document presents a perspective on ethics, emphasizing honesty and integrity as cornerstones of a functional society. The author defines ethics as the distinction between right and wrong, highlighting obligations, fairness, societal benefits, and virtues like loyalty, honesty, and compassion. Honesty is presented as a crucial principle for efficient societal operation, leading to integrity and a commitment to truth-telling, even when personally disadvantageous. The text draws upon various sources, including Murphy (1993), Taylor (2013), Macfarlane (2004), Epstein (2009), and Gillon (2003), to support the argument that ethical behavior, particularly honesty, is essential for achieving common good and preventing conflict. Fear and opposition to societal structures, such as armies and weapons, are identified as potential sources of conflict, underscoring the need for shared morals and values to promote harmony. The author advocates for a cooperative leadership approach, emphasizing the importance of upholding ethical principles and addressing violations to set a positive example. This approach involves identifying and addressing unethical behavior within a group to maintain ethical standards and promote a positive environment. The author's commitment to a cooperative leadership style, rather than a directive one, is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct and setting a positive example for others. The overall message promotes the idea that a society built on shared ethical values, particularly honesty and integrity, is more likely to achieve its goals and foster a harmonious environment for its members. The references cited provide a strong foundation for the arguments presented, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of ethical principles and their application in leadership and societal contexts.

To me, the word ethics stands for the difference between right and wrong prescribing what
should be done keeping in mind the obligations, fairness, benefits to the society, virtues of
loyalty, honesty and compassion. One of the most important principles that will allow the society
to work efficiently is honesty. (Murphy, K. R., 1993). Ethics strongly recommend a person and
his words to be followed by the action and to avoid obscuring of important facts so as not to
harm humanity. (Taylor, J., 2013). Honesty will, in turn, lead to imbibing the value of integrity
for telling the truth even if it is not beneficial to us. (Macfarlane, B., 2004). And when these
values are paired with determination towards the common good of the society, best outcomes
can be predicted (Epstein, R. A., 2009). People with a state of fear for the religion, government,
etc. lead to war and rebellion. The individuals are opposed to the creation of armies and
weapons. Therefore, everyone must work together in harmony to promote the right set of values
in the society. This can only be possible by making sure that everyone has same morals, and
these morals must be promoted for benefiting the lives of people around us. (Gillon, R., 2003).
Whenever I find myself to be having a position of leadership, I would go with the cooperative
approach along with maintaining the professional principles equipped with the ethical code and
morals I believe in. This process will include pinpointing the violations of my co-members so
that I can set up a good example in front of the people.
If I ever find myself in a position of leadership for a particular project or group, which ideally I
would not since I prefer a cooperative approach, I should maintain the above professional
principles within this group. This includes pointing out violations and making sure I set a good
example for the rest of the group.

References
Murphy, K. R. (1993). Honesty in the workplace. Thomson Brooks/Cole Publishing Co.
Macfarlane, B. (2004). Teaching with Integrity: the ethics of higher education practice. Psychology Press.
Epstein, R. A. (2009). Principles for a free society: Reconciling individual liberty with the common good.
Basic Books.
Gillon, R. (2003). Ethics needs principles—four can encompass the rest—and respect for autonomy
should be “first among equals”. Journal of medical ethics, 29(5), 307-312.
Taylor, J. (2013). Hume on the Importance of Humanity. Revue internationale de philosophie, (1), 81-97.