Ethical Theories, Leadership, and the Ethical Lens Inventory

Essay Assignment: Exemplary Ethical Conduct of a Nonfictional Leader

Instructions:

A. Select a nonfictional leader who you feel has exhibited exemplary ethical conduct and do the following:

1. Discuss two ethical traits your chosen leader has demonstrated.
2. Explain how your chosen leader has exhibited ethical conduct.

Note: The chosen leader can be someone you know personally or someone famous.

B. Compare the deontological and consequentialist perspectives and how each perspective would approach the dilemma from the scenario.

C. Identify and explain which level of cognitive moral development (i.e., preconventional, conventional, or postconventional) is represented in the scenario for each of the following questions:

• Which action would most likely serve the greater good in society?
• If I reveal this information, will I get into trouble and possibly even lose my job?
• Which action best aligns with my long-held belief in the principle of justice?
• What do the laws say, and what would a law-abiding citizen do?
• If I keep quiet, will I get some sort of reward?

D. Reflect on your Ethical Lens Inventory (ELI) by doing the following:

1. Explain your preferred ethical lens, relevant to the ELI. a. Analyze whether you have the same preferred lens in different settings (e.g., work, personal, social).
2. Explain one of your primary values and one classical virtue from the ELI. Note: If you are a Center Perspective, choose any primary value. a. Compare your primary value from part D2 with one of your own self-identified or personal values. Then compare your classical virtue from part D2 with a different self-identified or personal value. Note: Examples of personal values can be found in the attached “Clarifying Your Values” chart.
3. Describe one of the following from your ELI:
   • blind spot
   • risk
   • double standard
   • vice a. Discuss two steps you can take to mitigate the blind spot, risk, double standard, or vice described in part D3 in order to make better ethical decisions in the future.
4. Discuss how the information from your ELI could be applied to an ethical situation in the workplace.

E. Submit a copy of the PDF file with the results from your ELI as a separate document.

F. Acknowledge sources, using in-text citations and references, for content that is quoted, paraphrased, or summarized.

G. Demonstrate professional communication in the content and presentation of your submission.