Ethics Leaders are not exempt from the standards others are held accountable to; leaders are the model that others follow. Leaders need to be aware that they have been entrusted to make decisions with far-reaching effects and have a responsibility and obligation to hold themselves to a higher standard. Leaders who act ethically can gain the trust of those they work with, inspire others to greatness, and fulfill the duty of care for those they lead. Vignette Susan's workplace is having a rummage sale to raise money for a charity. Employees have voluntarily brought in various household goods, old electronics, and tools to donate for the sale. On Friday night Susan leaves the office a little late after the sale items have been set-up for sale in the cafeteria for Saturday morning's rummage sale. When she gets to her car she remembers that she left her take out lunch leftovers in the department refrigerator next to the cafeteria.

She decides to run back in to grab her lunch and when she walks through the cafeteria she sees that Bob has grabbed a power drill off the table and slipped it into his personal back pack as he heads for the door towards his car. Susan rushes past Bob to get her lunch and pretends that she didn't notice him take the drill. As she drives home that night Susan is very upset. She works closely with Bob who has been with the company for nearly 30 years and is going to be retiring at the end of the year. She can't believe that he would steel from the employees who donated those items, especially when the funds raised will go to help a sick child in need. The company has a very strict anti-theft policy and she knows that if she reports him he would likely get fired and lose out on his retirement. If she confronts him, and he is defensive it could really put a strain on their working relationship. She is very torn and doesn't know what to do.

Consider Understanding that ethics are standards of conduct based on socially accepted values and that acting in an ethical manner can promote productive functioning and well-being of groups and society. (Knowledge) Believing that acting in an ethical manner can promote productive functioning and well-being of groups and society. (Value) Being motivated to uphold standards of conduct based on socially accepted values. (Ability) Upholding standards of conduct based on socially accepted values. Post your responses to the following questions:

Why do you think that ethics is important for leaders to consider when making professional decisions? How do ethics differ from personal values and Christian beliefs? - Or are they the same or equivalent?

Have you ever witnessed some one else at work make a decision or act in a way that you believed was unethical? Did you speak up? If so, what did you do? If not, looking back what could you have done differently to stop or at least address the ethical concern.

Why do you think it is so difficult for individuals to voice their ethical concerns when they suspect or witness ethically questionable behaviors in the workplace? What can leaders do to foster an environment in which individuals are more willing to bring awareness or at least voice ethical concerns.