GD1801 Business Ethics 6281: Reflective Journal on Ethical Leadership

This reflective journal explores various aspects of business ethics, focusing on challenges faced by leaders and subordinates. It covers topics discussed across several weeks, including morality, social responsibility, ethical theories (utilitarianism, deontology), ethical dilemmas, the 'shadow side' of personality, referencing ethics, and ethical decision-making models. The journal emphasizes the importance of interpersonal communication, emotional intelligence, and conflict management in maintaining ethical standards within organizations. It uses case studies and self-assessment to enhance understanding and application of ethical concepts. Desklib provides similar solved assignments and resources for students.

Running head: BUSINESS ETHICS
BUSINESS ETHICS
Name of the student
Name of the university
Author note

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Executive Summary
The report aims at reflecting on the different lessons that are learnt through the sessions based on
the ethics and the challenges faced by the leaders and subordinates while performing their
respective job roles in an organization. Reflection on the ethics has helped in maintaining a
cohesive account of the diverse approaches that are utilized by the leaders of the organization. As
per the case, the different ethical theories and their practical application is being set as an
example for the future leader to undertake the different forms of ethical leadership backdrop.

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Table of Contents
Task 1...............................................................................................................................................3
Week 1.........................................................................................................................................3
Week 2.........................................................................................................................................4
Week 3.........................................................................................................................................4
Week 4.........................................................................................................................................5
Week 5.........................................................................................................................................5
Week 6.........................................................................................................................................6
Week 7.........................................................................................................................................7
Week 8.........................................................................................................................................8
Week 9.........................................................................................................................................9
Week 10.......................................................................................................................................9
Week 11.....................................................................................................................................10
Week 12.....................................................................................................................................11
Task 2.............................................................................................................................................11
Task 3.............................................................................................................................................14
References......................................................................................................................................18

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Task 1
Week 1
The first week of my class was associated with the introductory session about morality
and ethics. Before going into the vastness of morality I had came to know about the correlation
and distinctiveness between morality and social responsibility. This is a basic idea that most of
the students fail to understand. It can be argued that ethics and social responsibility possess the
same idea of benevolence but there is a sharp difference between the two ideas. In a single
sentence, ethics or morality means doing right where as social responsibility also reflects the
same gesture but in a different way. Doh and Quigley (2014) stated that morality is defined as a
systematic behaviour that decides and determines right or wrong. In this regard, there are some
elements that deliver a clear idea of the dynamics of morality. Such as moral standards, moral
responsibility and moral identity are considered to be the pivotal parts in understanding morality.
Bello (2012) stated that Moral standards are related to the specific behaviour of an individual or
a group or an organisation where as the moral responsibility refers to the conscience in an
individual or collective sense. Besides this, the moral identity encompasses the idea of the right
or wrong action. Social responsibility means acting as a responsible member in the society. It can
be advocated that in the present case scenario the role of ethics becomes so imperative for the
business organisations due to the increasing power of the media. In this context, it is necessary to
understand different approaches of ethics more closely. Sohmen (2013) stated that the term
ethics connotes the same meaning related to moral. In fact, the study of moral is called ethics.
Therefore, ethics is based on some principles and theories narrated by the philosophers.

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However, there are series of approaches related to the study of moral and as a result of that we
can find ethical pluralism in course of the discussion.
Week 2
The discussion requires an in depth understanding about the different approaches of
ethics. The basic understating underlines doing the right thing. However, philosophers interpret
the way towards right in various manners. As far as the utilitarian principles of ethics are
concerned, it resembles the idea of greatest good for the greater number of people. Pardo, A., &
Siemens, G. (2014) stated that utilitarian principles reflected on the development of ethics with
the perception to do something for the betterment of maximum number of people. The utilitarian
theory puts emphasis on the spontaneity of human mind to distinguish between right or wrong. In
this context, the discussion in the week 2 mentioned some examples to create a better
understanding about the utilitarian theory. On the contrary, Bhopal (2016) stated that the
deontological theory of ethics interprets ethics as a wish of the god. In other words, according to
the deontological ethics God is the absolute power to decide right or wrong. In respect to the
discussion, business organisations have been started taking ethics seriously from 1990s and
understand the value of ethics to resume their business in future. Therefore, the role of social
responsibility becomes relevant and reflects a clear perception about the role of the managers in
taking decisions based on ethical standpoint. Generally, the purpose of the second week lecture is
to depict a picture of ethics and its influence in business organisations in the form of social
responsibility.
Week 3
In my third week lecture I had to deal with some ethical dilemmas which people are often
faced in their daily life. For making a better idea of morality and ethics related problems the

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teacher mentioned a number of scenarios and provided a bunch of question that the students had
to attempt as per their understanding. Each problem focused on different aspects of the ethics and
makes their own assessment. These are the practical experiences which are more complex than
reading out the theories. Ewing (2013) stated that the moral decisions had to be taken based on
the environment and it would reflect the role of the managers to set important decisions based on
ethical considerations.
Week 4
The brief introduction to ethics was further carry forwarded by a more in depth study of
the various layers of morality. The fourth week learning session emphasised on the different
approaches of theories of ethics, which not only facilitated a new paradigm of the morality but
also enlightened us with different ways of ethical perceptions. Through the discussion, we came
to familiar with different perspectives on ethics and morality. For an instance, utilitarianism, the
categorical imperative theirs of Kant and Confucianism were the mainstay of the discussion.
Similarly, Schyns and Schilling (2013) stated that the recent development in the moral theories
like altruism was also incorporated into the discussion. The purpose of this session was to
portray the development of ethics so that the students were opened enough to identify the type of
morality.
Week 5
I was introduced to the different key aspects of the “shadow side” as per the Karl Jung’s
Psychoanalysis. It has helped in identifying the different negative ventures that might be lurking
with the human sentiments and the manner in which a person can control the dark side. The week
also introduced me to a vocational concept, which has helped in identifying the purpose of
undertaking a venture. It has helped me in understanding the manner in which the activities could

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be undertaken to fit in the purpose of the ventures. The rationale for our actions against our job
responsibilities is taken in the form of certain personality and career types, which was earlier
indicated by John Holland. The personality and career types have helped me in identifying the
manner through which the individuals can undertake ethical activities as per the role that is
played. It has helped me in identifying the most suitable job as per my capabilities and
personality type.
The week also brainstormed on the concepts of personal values and the lecturer provided
us with a self- assessment sheet, which helped us in identifying the personality trait more vividly.
The identification of the personality traits has helped in designing a moral character and thereby
the teacher discussed the different elements that help a person in holding a moral character as per
the ethics. After the session, I could identify the personality I fall under and the manner in which
the ethics can be implemented through the study of the cases that was provided by the instructor
during the course. The ethical standpoints and the influence of technology on the systems and
action of the people were explained to us during the interactive session. The instructor asked for
our views, which helped in clarifying the concepts of the manner in which the technological
advancement brought about a change in the ethical values that was held by the people.
Week 6
The week introduced us to the manner in which referencing might be done ethically. The
instructions were issued as per the concern of undertaking proper referencing style and thereby
acknowledging the help that is undertaken by the students from the other published scholars. It
helps in the supporting the standpoints and discussions that are being undertaken through the
citation from the other authors’ works. The different manner in which the referencing structure
might be followed is being stated by the instructor in the form of different examples, which has

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helped in the suitable writing sources that are chosen by the students. The proper guide of the
referencing has helped in maintaining the ethics of writing academic researches. The week’s
session helps me in understanding the different manner in which the bibliography can be created
and thereby in- texting can be made as per the rules that were forwarded by the teacher.
Week 7
The week introduced me to the ethical decision making concepts, which has helped in
strengthening the decision taking aptitude through the identification and understanding of the
different constrains. The major aspects that were discussed in the session was related to the
Moral sensitivity and cognitive biases which helps in maintaining the decisions in an inter-
personal basis. Johnson (2017) stated that the key elements of the change that the week imposed
on me was related to the moral judgment and the manner in which it might be implemented on
different situations to act ethically as per the vocation of the practice. We were introduced to the
different stages of moral judgment and development- Pre-conventional thinking,
Conventional thinking and Post-Conventional or Principled thinking. The identification of
the different stages has helped me in developing the criterion for moral judgment as per
the importance of the situation. The instructor provided us with a self- assessment sheet,
which has helped in identifying the decisions that we might make at the time of crisis. It
has helped us in ratifying ourselves and thereby has a close look at our strengths and
weaknesses that affects the moral decision making system. We were introduced to
different decision- making formats, which has helped me in identifying the manner in
which an ethical decision might be taken as per the ethical considerations. The

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application of the formats on the case studies that were provided by the instructor has
helped me in identifying the practical field where the concepts of ethical decision making
and judgment can be applied.
Week 8
The week focused on imparting the manner in which the proper inter- personal
communication might be undertaken by the individuals as it helps in maintaining a steady
relation between the communicator and the communicated. Effective listening skills help in
undertaking proper communication as per the ethical guidelines. The session has helped me in
understanding the different barriers that might be faced by the people while communicating with
one another. The enumeration of the different barriers has cautioned me to bring in changes in
the manner in which I communicate with people. The module also focused on bringing forth
changes in the systems of active listening through the enumeration of different supportive
methods. Craft, J. L. (2013) noted that the five steps of active listening that are enumerated as
per the module has helped in the identification of the importance of listening that helps in
maintaining the effectiveness of communication that is being undertaken. The module also
introduced to me the key concepts of Emotional intelligence and the manner in which it might be
adhered to communicate more effectively with the concerned people. Schyns and Schilling
(2013) stated that the ethics are termed to be the building blocks of the organizations that helps
in enhancing the performance. Therefore, the formulation of the different systems is extensively
dependent on the ethical standpoints that are shared by the businesses and the entrepreneurs.
Suitable inter- personal communication he4lps in maintaining a sound conflict management
system, which is also being illustrated as a part of the week’s lessons.

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Week 9
The week’s topic emphasized on the distribution of power and the manner in which the
power of the leaders helps in influencing the activities that are planned by the same. The
different elements of power are being discussed as per the module. Various ethical diversions
were undertaken by the teacher to provide examples for the fact of misuse of power. The
dominating criteria among autocratic leadership are being benchmarked as the absolute source of
power in an organization. However, other considerations were undertaken by the instructor in
order to support the views of empowerment. One of the major priorities of the leaders are to
empower the fellow subordinates to get the work done. Power, in that case, would bring forth
respect and appreciation for the leader. However, the misuse of power and all its fidelities would
bring forth a negative impression among the people who are imposed. The different case studies
that were discussed during the session helped in the proper identification of the instances where
power can be utilized in a positive manner for empowering the people. On the other hand, the
self assessment questionnaire has helped in identifying the different strengths and weaknesses
that resides within us as per the leadership skills. The module has helped in instilling the clear
understanding of the different concepts of change in the systems of the cognitive and decision
making systems based on the ethical standpoints.
Week 10
The week’s lesson infused the knowledge of group ethical performance and the manner
in which the ethics of the group members are held responsible for the different systems and
processes as per the objectives of the team. The ethics of team bonding and the manner in which
the inter- trust factors helps in the smooth performance of the group is the major point of concern
for the week 10 sessions. Reed, G. E. (2012) stated that coordinative and cooperative actions that

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are undertaken by the group members are infused through the review of the Collective Effort
Model that was proposed by Karau and Williams. We were introduced to the different sets of
strategies that would help in entertaining the smooth functioning of the team as per the
responsibility of the group members. The key elements of the change in the approach of the
group members must be aligned to the collective objective of the team and the manner in which
the collective efforts can be placed to achieve the common target. I understood the difference
between the terms “Groups” and “Teams” through the discussions and thereby identified the
ways in which the individual members in the groups are held responsible for the activities that
are being undertaken b6y the team.
Week 11
The week reflected on the ethical leadership principles and the manner in which the
ethics of the leader helps in maintaining the different levels of change in the systems of the
business. The session also covered the different challenges that are faced by the leaders while
undertaking ethical leadership practices while operating in a business scenario. The enumeration
of the different challenges has helped me in identifying and mitigating the different issues and
through changed approaches. The session revealed the different negative impacts that power and
hierarchy creates on the performance of the organizations. It has helped me in identifying the
different manner in which the changes in the approaches will be helping me to bring forth
changes in the approach. Kellerman made different assumptions for effective leadership, which
has helped me in identifying the manner in which the ethical backdrop of the leadership course
of actions can be redeemed. On the other hand, the assessment of the Normative leadership
theories has helped me in fostering a transformational approach that would be supportive in
nature. The different case studies that were discussed during the session has helped in