Ethical leadership principles and practices

Ethical Leadership in business is an essential part in the conduct of proper and honest affairs. It represents the most important framework of moral values shared by a company or corporation. Indeed, the personal values of the individuals making up the staff of an organization are relevant for the good working process; however, it is the leader who must influence in a positive manner the way in which the company or organization develops from a moral point-of-view. From this perspective, ethical leadership is a prerequisite condition in today's global world.

There are various definitions of the notion of ethics, and particularly of business ethics. The term of "ethics" expresses "a set of universal principles," applicable from the perspective of our own human being (Stevens, 2006). It represents the framework which determines our quality as people, as individuals in the society. Although there are different understandings of the term universal principle or moral values, it is not a new idea the fact that "the indefinite moral code which serves as a standard for civilized humanity (...) requires definition and classification whenever it is applied to particular problems of conduct" (Taeusch, 1932). Therefore, without undermining the role traditional definitions of ethics had throughout history, it is important to consider the particular aspect of business ethics in connection to leadership.

Generally stated, ethics in business is "simply the application of everyday moral or ethical norms to business" (De George, 2007). However, it is important the level at which these norms and values are implemented. Therefore, it can be said that in this respect leaders represent the example for their employees.

Theoretical aspects are essential for pointing out the main ideas related to a certain issue. However, the best means to represent a problem or an idea is through the power of example. Ethical leadership demands a respect for the rights and personality of the individual and of the employee. However, nowadays, more and more people feel they are psychologically persecuted by their employers through constant control and monitoring of their e-mail or personal conversations. Moreover, there are business owners who show little respect for the moral and physical integrity of their employees by exploiting their qualities and services.

I consider leadership ethics is an important aspect of business. They represent the core values of the code of conduct of both employers and employees. At the same time, leadership ethics is the reference point for the aspects concerning social responsibility. Most corporations today are well aware of the social pressures coming from both employees and the public opinion and have tried to develop new policies based on the ethical values and norms of leadership. It can be said that the evolution of social responsibility and the importance given to it are some of the achievements the implementation of such ethical beliefs have had throughout the years.