Ethics at the Intersection

How Do We Determine Our Ethics as Leaders?

Why is it such a challenge to determine how we interpret “ethical leadership?” Because there are many different ways of determining what we consider to be ethical. Even while trying to be responsible we can still miss the mark by a mile.

Consider some of the possible ways that a leader might interpret ethics.

Ethics in a Vacuum

Looks at “ethics” in a silo, investigating deeply rather than broadly
Excludes areas that others consider to be part of ethical leadership
Ignores how emerging knowledge in other areas of practice should impact ethical leadership

Ethics of Convenience

Determines what is ethical based on individual values and selectively chosen research
Defines “ethics” in the context that provides the most benefits for the interpreter
Often fiercely defends own decisions as “ethical” using judgemental words and blame

Ethics in a Historical Context

Defines ethics based on the knowledge of ethics scholars and historical thinkers
Uses historical ideas to solve today’s complex challenges
Ignores the current evolving leadership context and new research
Limits the boundaries of ethics to those that have been extensively written about and studied

Ethics at the Intersection

Determines what is ethical based on a holistic view of ethics
Changes definition of “ethical” based on new research. .. not finite… ever evolving
Considers research beyond the boundaries of “formal ethics” to include the impact of choices on employee engagement, innovation and more
Takes an integrative perspective, looking at what we can learn from the places where many disciplines intersect (for example: philosophy, psychology, sociology, ecology and leadership)

While we cannot ignore what we have learned from the past, we also cannot ignore what we are learning in the present. It is equally important to take a broad and integrative approach, not limiting the scope of our view to incorporate only that which is personally familiar or personally beneficial. A combination of approaches is probably the most responsible, studying the historical understanding of ethics but not being restricted by its boundaries, and studying the emerging knowledge without losing sight of its historical context.