Leadership

PSYCH 485 blog

Corruption on Our Doorstep: Uncovering Ethical Misconduct

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Ethics and leadership are two interconnected concepts that play a crucial role in shaping the behavior and character of individuals in positions of authority (The Pennsylvania State University, 2023). Leaders have a significant influence on individuals and society as a whole, and their actions and decisions can have far-reaching consequences. Therefore, leaders need to behave ethically and with integrity, as their conduct and character can significantly impact the development of individuals and society. 

Unfortunately, former President Donald Trump’s behavior during his time in office was far from ethical and honorable. His erratic, self-serving, and immoral behaviors were a cause for concern for many Americans. Based on conduct theories, which are the behaviors and decisions that lead up to the decision-making process, Donald Trump made choices that seemed to be self-serving and tailored to members of society who supported him (The Pennsylvania State University, 2023). 

For example, in the 2020 election, Trump allegedly pressured election officials in battleground states to fraudulently throw out millions of votes for President Joe Biden (Cohen, 2021). By committing such an egregious act, Trump was unable to generate a cost-benefit analysis with a selfish and clouded mind. He was not morally justified in committing this act because he did not know if the result of his being president was going to produce positive outcomes. Moreover, not only was his conduct unacceptable, but his overall character was dishonorable. 

He lacked the ability as a leader to have temperance and self-control (The Pennsylvania State University, 2023). For instance, Trump negatively influenced a group of his supporters in Washington, which led them to attack the US Capitol while the electoral votes were being counted (Cohen, 2021). He behaved unethically as he failed to create a supportive climate that could have been a peaceful rally as opposed to a violent one, which was the result. Again, this was done to exercise his authority and ultimately abuse it to its furthest extent.

In conclusion, it is essential for society to recognize that leaders in positions of power must follow and uphold laws and ethical standards. Ethics and morals should be considered in situations that incite positive or negative consequences. Being a leader with authority is about being authentic, motivational, and acting with integrity to influence unity among divisions. Leaders must consider the impact of their actions and decisions on individuals and society as a whole to ensure that they are making choices that benefit society as a whole.

 

References: 

Cohen, M. (2021, January 24). Chronicling Trump’s 10 worst abuses of power. CNN Politics. https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/24/politics/trump-worst-abuses-of-power/index.html

The Pennsylvania State University. (2023). Description of Ethics [Lecture notes]. Canvas@PSU. https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2283258/modules/items/38927284

The Pennsylvania State University. (2023). Ethical Theories – Character Theories [Lecture notes]. Canvas@PSU. https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2283258/modules/items/38927288

The Pennsylvania State University. (2023). Ethical Theories – Conduct Theories [Lecture notes]. Canvas@PSU. https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2283258/modules/items/38927287

Servant Leadership: A Guide for the Reluctant Leader

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For many individuals, the conventional style of leadership doesn’t quite fit. More specifically, the authoritative and directive style often associated with leading can feel foreign or uncomfortable. However, job responsibilities and other such situations may call for these same individuals to step up into leadership positions. For those who find themselves in such a position, servant leadership may be the solution to their discomfort. This leadership philosophy, which might seem paradoxical at first glance, is deeply rooted in the idea of serving first and leading second. It offers a framework for leaders who prefer to empower and uplift their team members, rather than command and control. Those intrigued by the possibility of guiding others through service will find servant leadership not only accessible but also resonant with their values and approach to collaborative work.

The concept of servant leadership at first seems like an oxymoron. Thinking about such a leadership style often conjures up a mixture of confusion and skepticism. The very phrase seems to contradict the conventional image of a leader, that being a towering figure commanding from the top. Yet, servant leadership flips this notion, depicting a leader as a supporter, not a dictator. It is rooted in the philosophy that the leader exists primarily to address the needs of their team, facilitating the attainment of their goals and the completion of their work (Northouse, 2022). For those who cringe at the thought of traditional authoritarian leadership, the servant leadership model offers a compelling alternative. This model is similar to the path-goal theory’s goal of enhancing the team’s ability, but with a twist. Servant leadership is centered on the personal and professional development of the followers, transforming them into leaders themselves (Northouse, 2022). The theory of servant leadership was first introduced by Greenleaf over four decades ago, but it’s only in recent years that a robust body of research has begun to validate its effectiveness (Northouse, 2022). In contrast to other leadership theories that were quickly adopted, servant leadership was initially viewed as less important. Only with time and the accumulation of evidence did the approach gain recognition as a credible, full-fledged theory. It’s based on the premise that a leader is driven by a genuine will to serve. This foundational service mindset is meant to ripple through the organization, fostering a cycle of personal growth and collective assistance that enhances organizational performance. As researchers have delved deeper into the nuances of this theory, they’ve discovered a correlation between servant leadership and improved organizational outcomes, affirming its viability as a leadership approach.

Servant leadership is not an abstract concept but is characterized by ten distinct traits: awareness, stewardship, empathy, conceptualization, building community, foresight, listening, commitment to the growth of people, healing, and persuasion (Northouse, 2022). These are not simply buzzwords, but the pillars on which servant leadership stands, guiding a leader’s interactions and strategies. They shift the focus from commanding to caring, from dictating to developing, and from self-centered to team-oriented actions. The servant leadership model operates on an input-process-output basis (Northouse, 2022). The inputs, known as antecedent conditions, encompass the existing leadership context, leader attributes, and followers’ openness, all working to shape the leadership dynamics. The process involves servant leader behaviors, which are critical actions leaders take to serve and develop followers, such as emotional healing, ethical conduct, and community enrichment. The output is the improved performance and growth of followers, enhanced organizational effectiveness, and a positive societal impact. This framework emphasizes the transformational influence of servant leadership on both individuals and larger, organizational entities.

At its heart, servant leadership thrives on authenticity. It demands leaders to be clear and forthcoming with their team, treating them as equal stakeholders in the drive to achieve organizational success. This equalizing approach is the bedrock for nurturing a trusting environment where followers are encouraged to evolve into servant leaders themselves, perpetuating a culture of empowerment and self-actualization. However, servant leadership is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It can backfire if implemented by leaders who inherently lean towards authoritative or domineering styles, as it may come off as disingenuous (Northouse, 2022). The most alluring aspect of servant leadership lies in its ethical backbone. It is one of few leadership theories that incorporates altruism as a key component. Its emphasis on nurturing followers’ growth as opposed to simply directing them is another unique aspect that distinguishes it from other leadership styles. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the term ‘servant leadership’ can be misleading, and the theory itself is still a work in progress. There’s also criticism about the moralistic overtones in much of the writing on servant leadership, which could challenge its scientific objectivity (Northouse, 2022).

For those who are uncomfortable with the conventional expectations of leadership, servant leadership provides an appealing alternative. It’s a path that aligns with the values of integrity, community, and mutual growth. To embrace this style, one must adopt a mindset of service, actively seeking to cultivate the ten characteristics within oneself. The transformation to a servant leader involves a commitment to continuous personal development, fostering authentic relationships, and creating a nurturing organizational culture that allows every individual to thrive. By leading through service, one can inspire a domino effect, where each team member is empowered to reach their potential, in turn fostering a collective culture of leadership and performance. Servant leadership is about making a deliberate choice to place the needs of others at the forefront. It’s about building robust, empowering relationships that enable all individuals within the organization to grow and achieve their utmost potential. If your leadership style is one of partnership rather than command, servant leadership offers an impactful way to guide your team and organization to success.

 

Citations

Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). SAGE Publishing.

Leadership For Attorney Success

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Effective lawyers produce results that end up being successful for a person or an organization. We have to look beyond their legal expertise and dive deeper into the skills and attributes that make them a critical source in distinguishing moral and immoral occurrences that arise in society. A lawyer’s task and relationship behaviors aid them in fulfilling their role as a leader when they are required. In today’s most current event, a class action lawsuit has been issued on behalf of the employees of St. Luke’s University Health Network and Attorney William P. Mansour, of Mansour Law LLC filed the suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on behalf of lead plaintiff Jessica Jennings (Bresswein, 2023). Allegedly, St. Luke’s imposed a higher health premium for employees who denied getting the COVID-19 vaccine, whether for temporary or indefinite reasons but related to their religion. As I discuss the brief details of this case, it should be noted that the situational approach theory would be pertinent to how I believe Attorney Mansour ought to undertake and steer this case.

To begin, in January 2022, St. Luke’s raised the healthcare premium of their employees by $1,100 but offered discounts to employees who opted for the vaccine and to those who were unvaccinated due to medical reasons. However, a group of unvaccinated employees did not proceed for religious reasons. This group did not find these practices to be legal. This class action lawsuit has already raised a lot of questions regarding public health, ethics, and basic human rights. The situational approach should be the compelling influence in this case because it hones in on unique situations such as this lawsuit, applicable leadership styles, and the commitment and ableness of the followers (clients) (Northouse, 2021). Attorney Mansour must evaluate his clients and determine which styles and behaviors are appropriate to be victorious.

Attorney Mansour has been placed in a leadership role that requires a specific set of skills and style to carefully manage the claims that will be reviewed in court. The directive behaviors that Mansour must display and impose consist of giving specific instructions and directions to the subordinates which are the people he is representing (The Pennsylvania State University, 2023). His clients are to maintain sufficient communication with him and provide updates on any changes regarding their address, telephone number, etc. His clients should also supply him with all the facts and evidence related to the case that will be tried in court.

In addition, Attorney Mansour’s role as a leader in this case warrants supportive behaviors to his clients. Supportive behaviors encourage and provide emotional support (The Pennsylvania State University, 2023). These supportive behaviors also facilitate the intensification of the case. Monsour should assist his clients by helping them organize the facts to provide a strong case. Communication is key because as a leader Monsour should be identifying the pain points of his clients and using that to attain a positive outcome in the lawsuit. Monsour will need to have a high level of interpersonal skills. During his interactions with the clients, he’ll be obligated to interpret the emotions of his clients, empathize with them to earn their trust, and use these elements to make claims in court that could relate to inconvenience, emotional distress, or pain & suffering.

In conclusion, the situational approach would apply to a beneficial outcome for the lawyer and the plaintiffs involved because of its techniques and strengths. It’s practical in the sense that it can be used in a civil lawsuit setting, it provides guidelines for both parties to adhere to regardless of the style of the leader and the competence of the client. This approach is also flexible. Circumstances may change throughout the case but if both parties adapt accordingly then the same goal/s should be achieved.

References:

Bresswein, K. (2023, March 31). St. Luke’s charged some unvaccinated employees more for health insurance, and class action suit claims. Lehighvalleylive. https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2023/03/st-lukes-charged-some-unvaccinated-employees-more-for-health-insurance-class-action-suit-claims.html

Northouse, P.G. (2021). Leadership: Theory and Practice (9th ed.). Sage Publications.

The Pennsylvania State University. (2023). Leadership Styles and Development Levels [Lecture notes]. Canvas@PSU. https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2283258/modules/items/38927174

Mahatma Gandhi: A Visionary Leader

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In a world where effective leadership is essential for growth and progress, understanding the significance of strong leadership skills is crucial. For instance, Mahatma Gandhi led India in its struggle for independence from British rule in 1947 with the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide individuals towards achieving common goals. His nonviolent civil disobedience advocacy and mobilization of the Indian population against British colonialism were among the reasons Gandhi was considered a great leader. His legacy reminds us of the importance of strong leadership and its impact on society (History.com Editors, 2010).

Just as in 1947, today’s rapidly changing world and various organizations still require innovative leadership to succeed. Leadership must not only inspire and motivate, but also possess a stark understanding of emotional intelligence, communication, and diversity. Ideally, a good leader should be similar to Gandhi in their ability to empathize with his or her team members’ concerns and ideas, listen to alternative viewpoints, and make decisions that are in the organization’s best interest. Gandhi was a visionary, dedicated to using nonviolent resistance to create a more equal and inclusive society. As a leader, he was able to inspire, empower, and bring about lasting change.

Exploration of leadership innovation includes examining great leaders like Gandhi, and also investigating the Five Factor Model (Northouse, 2021), which explains how to be a dynamic and effective leader by researching motivation, emotional intelligence, and communication. Understanding these models can help assess personality traits such as extraversion, conscientiousness, and openness. It can help better realize the motivations of those being lead and how to communicate with them effectively. When it comes to leading others, Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world” (Bansal, 2016).

The act of leadership goes beyond a title or a position; it involves a mindset and a set of qualities that enable individuals to influence and inspire others. In addition to understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses, a leader must be able to adapt to changes in circumstances. Communication skills are excellent, and empathic connections are essential to teamwork. It is important to motivate and empower team members, take responsibility for their actions, and make complex decisions. A leader should also be able to function as a good role model and solve problems efficiently. Gandhi exemplified all these qualities. In addition to having a profound understanding of himself and other people, he was able to motivate and empower his team. He was also an excellent communicator, showed empathy, had problem-solving abilities and a keen sense of responsibility.

According to Northouse (2021) in Trait approach, a leader with high emotional intelligence may be able to recognize when a team member needs a break or additional assistance, leading to a more productive work environment. Leaders can use emotional intelligence to create a sense of trust and respect by being able to perceive, understand, and manage emotions (Northouse, 2021). Using emotional intelligence to motivate their team and help them achieve their goals is also an effective way for leaders to resolve conflicts. Gandhi is a fitting example of a leader who possessed such emotional intelligence. As well as understanding and managing his own emotions, he could also manage the emotions of others. He demonstrated his emotional intelligence by promoting nonviolence and fostering unity among people from various backgrounds and religions.

Effective leadership also depends on the followers’ active listening, commitment to the leader’s vision, and constructive feedback. As Gandhi once said, “A leader is nothing without exceptional followers” (Pitale-Puradkar). Gandhi emphasized the importance of followers in inspiring and propelling leaders to greatness through this quote. For leaders and followers to have a mutually beneficial relationship, they must build on trust, cooperation, and goals. Leading by example and encouraging others to improve encourages personal and professional development. They also inspire a positive culture of collaboration and leadership in the organization through their collective efforts. Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” (Bansal, 2016). This sentiment also applies to the relationship between leaders and followers. In addition to their unwavering loyalty, dependable nature, and hard work ethic, they cultivate an environment conducive to the growth and advancement of outstanding leaders by working together.

The world can become a better place by embodying a successful leader’s qualities and nurturing others’ potential while having exceptional followers who are an invaluable asset. In addition to providing leaders with continuous and unconditional support, commitment, and constructive feedback, their efforts enable them to reach their greatest potential, establishing changes within organizations and inspiring others to succeed as well. Gandhi’s concept of leadership was rooted in truth, nonviolence, and service. Such exemplary leadership can bring immense improvement in society, both within organizations and communities at large. Gandhi believed that everyone can be a leader, and that his actions can create a ripple effect of positive change in the world. He strived to inspire others and was unwavering in his commitment to these values.

References

Acharya, N. (2019). Mahatma Gandhi At 150: Lessons On Leadership. Retrieved 2023, from Forbes.com: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nishacharya/2019/10/02/mahatma-gandhi-at-150-lessons-on-leadership/?sh=21d0c574d7c1

Akbarsha, M. A. (2010). Mahatma Gandhi–Doerenkamp Center for Alternatives to Use of Animals in Life Science Education. Journal of Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics, 1(2), 108-110. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0976-500X.72353

Bansal, I. &. (2016). Mapping Emotional Competencies of Mahatma Gandhi: A Biographical Analysis Approach. Journal of Human Values, 19(2), 133-145. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/097168581349226

History.com Editors. (2010). Mahatma Gandhi. Retrieved from HISTORY: https://www.history.com/topics/asian-history/mahatma-gandhi

Northouse, P. G. (2021). Leadership: Theory and Practice (9th ed.). US: SAGE Publications, Inc. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781071834473

Pitale-Puradkar, P. R. (n.d.). Gandhi – Leader of Millenniums. Gandhian Institutions. Retrieved from mkgandhi.org: https://www.mkgandhi.org/articles/gandhi-leader-of-millenniums.html#:~:text=Gandhian%20ideology%20is%20rooted%20in,Gita%2C%20the%20Buddha%20and%20Christ.

Engineering and Ethics

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Lesson 14: Ethics and Leadership resonates with me because engineers are held to a higher standard of ethics than just a regular person within the community. What we say and do affects public health. There is a code of ethics for engineers and during my time at Penn State we have been taught the Fundamental Cannons and have discussed them in multiple classes. From NSPE.org, they are as follows:

  1. Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public
  2. Perform services on in areas of their competence
  3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner
  4. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees
  5. Avoid deceptive acts
  6. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession

I think that these cannons can be related to the 5 Principals of Ethical Leadership, Respect, Service, Justice, Honesty, and Community. I think that Respect can be argued for a few of the cannons but I think that it can be seen in 6. Conducting oneself a certain way as described in this cannon, can be considered having respect for the company one may be working for and shows a good example for those affected by one’s work which could be followers. Service is obviously seen in the first cannon as service is ultimately engineers’ main goal. Justice has to do with treating followers in equal manner which can be seen in Cannon 5. Doing dishonest or unjust things when nobody is watching, such as the treatment of followers, falls under these cannons. Honesty can be described by multiple including the one previously mentioned (5) and Cannon 3. It can also be seen in Cannon 2 as though nobody may know one was working outside their area of expertise, this is essentially a lie by omission.

Not discussed in the Five Principals of Ethical Leadership outlined in the lesson, the Fundamental Cannons talks about how to be ethical with public statements and each employer/client. The lesson is aimed more towards how to treat a follower vs how to act as a professional, yet as described, the teachings in the lesson and the Fundamental Cannons are very similar. The 5 Principals from the lesson are an outline which can be applied to anything that requires a code of ethics, while the Fundamental Cannons use all of these principals but applies it very specifically to being a professional in engineering.

Sources

“Code of Ethics.” Code of Ethics | National Society of Professional Engineers, 2021, www.nspe.org/resources/ethics/code-ethics.

Hamel, R. (n.d.). Lesson 14: Ethics and Leadership, 2021

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