Case Study Dynamics of Leadership

Dynamics of Leadership

Portmore Community College

Coursework #2

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Studies (BBS)

Desmond Dawkins I.D. # 10-13559

Myoka Ross I.D. # 12-13180

Mrs. Raia Richards-Peart

April 26, 2017

Introduction

The aim of this assignment is to give the reader a sense of what the project is all about. This is a delicate topic, the whole matter of coal-fire power plant. The reader must get an overview of the contents of the assignment with a view of better understanding the implications of such a move at a time like this. From a managers’ perspective, what will the decision be and how it will affect us as Jamaicans in the long run.

This assignment also looks at ethics in business and what are some of the traits of an ethical leader.

What is Ethical Leadership?

        Ethicalleadership is leadership that is directed by respect for ethical beliefs and values and for the dignity and rights of others. It is thus related to concepts such as trust, honesty, consideration, charisma and fairness. A leader's choices are also influenced by their moral development. Another aspect of ethical leadership is doing what is right at all times even when no one is watching or looking. The values are held so high that they are used to govern how we as a person carry out our daily operation.

What is Ethical behaviour?

        Acting in ways consistent with what society and individuals typically think are good values. Ethical behaviour tends to be good for business and involves demonstrating respect for key moral principles that include honesty, fairness, equality, dignity, diversity and individual rights.

What does it mean when a person is ethical?

        Ethical comes from the Greek ethos "moral character" and describes a person or behaviour as right in the moral sense - truthful, fair, and honest. Sometimes the word is used for people who follow the moral standards of their profession. There are some characteristics that are demonstrated by an ethical leader.

Here are 10 traits of an ethical leader:

• Justice.- An ethical leader is always fair and just, seeks to ensure a sense of equality in their dealings.
• Respect others. - One of the most important traits of ethical leadership is the respect that is given to followers. The human resource is very important, and so the respect for them will earn you respect as well.
• Honesty. - Leaders of ethics must be truthful. They must be frank and open; this will foster trust and belief from staff members.
• Humane. -An ethical leader shows empathy, putting themselves in the shoe of the other person. Care very much about the other persons feelings.
• Focus on teambuilding.- This type of leader encourages growth and development through teamwork. Everyone’s input is taken into account and staffs feel valued.
• Value driven decision-making. - The decisions that are taken are comprehensive, that is, they take the organization and its members into account.
• Encourages initiative. - If an organization is going to grow and be dynamic then the leader must seek to encourage initiative. This will empower the staff and it speaks to another great characteristic of an ethical leader.
• Lead by example. – This character trait is a very important one that this type of leader must possess. This leader is not afraid to step forward and do what needs to be done, after all the show must go on.  
• Values awareness – This type of leader strive for consistency throughout the organization. The level of expectations that they place on themselves, the staff and the organization is very high and seek to communicate the values of the organization on a regular basis.
• No tolerance for ethical violations. - An ethical leader expects a consistent display of these values. They become intolerable when the standards are not maintained, and will not overlook violations.  

Why is it important to have leaders?

        After careful examination of the character traits of an ethical leader, one can only conclude that this will give rise to a successful organization. A company where management and workers alike can be on the same page, moving in the same direction, similarly to what exist in the learning organization. To look at it from a broader scope, if our national leaders would walk the walk and not only talk the talk, some of the moral decay in our country would not exist.