Leadership 12 Source: The Josephson Institute of Ethics

What Are Ethics? Ethics refers to principles that define behaviour as right, good, and proper.

What is the difference between Ethics and Values? Ethics is concerned with how a moral person should behave. Values are the inner judgments that determine how a person actually behaves.

When Values Collide Values are what we prize. Our value system is the order in which we prize them. The values which we consistently rank higher than others are our core values, which define character and personality.

We translate values into principles so they can guide and motivate ethical behaviour Ex: Honesty is a value “do not cheat” is a principle based on the value of honesty What are other principles derived from the value of honesty?

Ethics is putting principles into action. Consistency between what we say we value and what our actions say we value is a matter of integrity.

Ethics is also about restraint Not doing what you have the power to do. (An act isn’t proper just because it is permissible or you can get away with it.) Not doing what you have the right to do (difference between what you have the right to do and what’s right to do) Not doing what you want to do Examples??

Why Be Ethical? Five possible reasons: Inner benefit – virtue is its own reward Personal advantage – it’s prudent to be ethical, it’s good business Approval – being ethical leads to self esteem, respect of peers Religion – to please or serve a god Habit – upbringing or training

Obstacles to being ethical? Self-interest – sometimes we act unethically in order to serve ourselves (what’s in it for me?) The Pursuit of Happiness – how do we define happiness? How morally mature are we in our pursuits?

The Six Pillars of Character Trustworthiness Respect Fairness Responsibility Caring Good Citizenship

“You made me lie” “I had to take the car without your permission” “I had no choice” “It just happened”

Good Decision-Making A good foundation for decision-making contains these two points: 1. we all have the power to decide what we do and what we say 2. we are morally responsible for the consequences of our choices.

Decision Making components Taking choices seriously Recognizing important decisions Good decisions are both ethical and effective Discernment and discipline Stakeholders