Ethics essay question – Ethical leaders apply a set of values and standards to their decisions. Outline why ethical leadership matters in organisations and society
.
The essay should be well-presented, should contain a well-informed critical analysis, and should show a good standard of academic referencing.
Why is ethical leadership important in organisations and society?
What is ethical leadership?
What are the consequences of unethical leadership for organisations and society? Examples of unethical leadership?
What are the benefits of ethical leadership for organisations and society? Are the benefits similar? Examples of benefits?
How can ethical leadership be fostered?
What are the challenges of achieving ethical leadership? How can they be addressed?
How can common ethical standards and values be established?
Essay structure
Introduction (150 words)
• Relevant background – rationale for the essay Why is the concept important?
• real world event
• academic research interest
• government report
• Aim of the essay
• Outline of structure
The aim of this essay is to …[take the aim from the essay brief]
Main body – not a heading (1200 words)
• Discussion of definition(s)
• Discussion of associated concepts, illustrated with examples • Discussion of different perspectives around these concepts
Conclusions (150 words)
• Not just a summary of key findings
• Focus on the findings, not the structure of the essay
In conclusion, ethical leadership is essential for all stakeholders because…..
Not This essay has explained why ethical leadership is important for stakeholders • Consider the implications or recommendations – take the focus out to a real world
context. Eg implications for your profession
Recommended texts:
• Crane, A., & Matten, D. (2016), Business Ethics: Managing Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability in an Age of Globalisation, 4th Edition, OxfordUniversity Press
• Fisher, C. and Lovell, A., (2015), Business Ethics and Values, 4th Edition: Prentice Hall
• Northouse, P.G., Introduction to leadership: Concepts and practice (2017), 4th Edition, Sage Publications.
• Pless, N.M. & Maak, T. (2012). Responsible Leadership. Dordrecht: Springer
Other suitable reference texts:
• DeGeorge, R.T., Business Ethics (2011), 3rd Edition, New Jersey: Prentice Hall
• DuBrin, A.J. (2013), Principles of Leadership, 7th (International) Edition, Canada: South-Western Cengage Learning
• Fraedrick, J., Ferrell, L., & Ferrell, O.C. (2013), Ethical Decision Making in Bjusiness: A Managerial Approach, 9thEdition, Canada, South-Western Cengage Learning
• Fryer M (2011); Ethics and Organizational Leadership: Developing a Normative Model; Oxford University Press; Oxford (E-Book)
• Gentille, M.C. (2010), Giving Voice to Values: How to Speak Your Mind WhenYou Know What’s Right, Yale University Press
• Harrison, M., An Introduction to Business and Management Ethics, (latest edition) Hampshire: Palgrave MacMillan
• Hartman, L.P., DesJardins, J., MacDonald, C., (2018): Business Ethics: Decision Making for Personal Integrity and Social Responsibility, 4th Edition, New York, McGraw-Hill Education
• Johnson, C.E., Organizational Ethics: A Practical Approach (2018), 10th Edition, London: Sage Publications
• Johnson, C.E. (2015), Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Leadership: Casting Light or Shadow, London: Sage Publications Ltd
• Lawton, A., Rayner, J., & Lasthuizen, K., Ethics and Management in the Public Sector (2013), 6th Edition, Oxon: Routledge
• Lussier, R.N. and Achua, C.F. (2013), Effective Leadership, 5th (International) Edition, Canada: South-Western Cengage Learning
• May, L. & Delston, J.B. (eds) (2016), Applied Ethics: A Multicultural Approach, 6th Edition, New York, Routledge
• Mellahi, K., Morrell, K., Wood, G. (2010) The Ethical Business: Challenges and Conroversies, 2nd Edition, London, Palgrave MacMillan
• Northouse, P.G. (2013), Leadership; Theory and Practice, [8th edition), Sage Publications.
• Peterson, M. (2013), Sustainable Enterprise: A Macromarketing Approach, California, Sage Publications Inc.
• Rickards, T. (2015), Dilemmas of Leadership, 3rd Edition, Oxon Routledge
• Schedlitzki, D. and Edwards, G. (2014), Studying Leadership; Traditional & Critical Approaches, London: Sage Publications Ltd.
• Solomon, R.C., Ethics and Excellence (latest edition), New York: Oxford University Press
• Stanwick, P., & Stanwick, S. (2014), Understanding Business Ethics, 2ndEdition, California, Sage Publications Inc.
• Watson, G. and Reissner, S. (2014), Developing Skills for Business Leadership, 2nd Edition, London: CIPD
• Yukl, G. (2010) Leadership in Organizations (International Edition). 7th edition, Pearson/Prentice Hall, NJ
