Question

4 page paper on how a leader's values of integrity, respect, honesty and consistency contribute to creating an ethical culture in a healthcare organization. Provide at least one example of an ethical decision that might be controversial in the healthcare setting.

Answer 1

Leadership as the art of persuading a follower to want to do the things, activities, that the leader sets as goals. The role of leaders is therefore in the process of directing the individual’s behaviour towards the desired goal. Leaders vary depending on the individual leadership style that stems from personality characteristics. Some leaders, particularly charismatic and transformational, have personal power through which they engage employees, whereas others exert the positional, legitimate power. Leaders are characterized by different values, attitudes, beliefs, conduct, habits and practices and that is to a certain extent dependent upon the organizational, professional or institutional culture.

Leaders serve as role models for their followers and demonstrate the behavioural boundaries set within an organization. The appropriate and desired behaviour is enhanced through culture and socialization process of the newcomers. Employees learn about values from watching leaders in action. The more the leader “walks the talk”, by translating internalized values into action, the higher the level of trust and respect he generates from followers. When leaders are prepared to make personal sacrifices for followers or the company in general for the sake of acting in accordance with their values, the employees are more willing to do the same.

Leaders should shape ethical values primarily through ethical (value-based) leadership both through their personal behaviour as well as organizational policies and processes.

1. Justice

An ethical leader is always fair and just. They have no favourites and treat everyone equally. Under an ethical leader, no employee has any reason to fear biased treatment on the basis of gender, ethnicity, nationality, or any other factor.

2. Respect others

One of the most important traits of ethical leadership is the respect that is given to followers. An ethical leader shows respect all members of the team by listening to them attentively, valuing their contributions, being compassionate, and being generous while considering opposing viewpoints.

3. Honesty

It goes without saying that anyone who is ethical will also be honest and loyal. Honesty is particularly important to be an effective ethical leader because followers trust honest and dependable leaders. Ethical leaders convey facts transparently, no matter how unpopular they may be.

4. Humane

Being humane is one of the most revealing traits of a leader who is ethical and moral. Ethical leaders place importance in being kind and act in a manner that is always beneficial to the team.

5. Focus on team building

Ethical leaders foster a sense of community and team spirit within the organization. When an ethical leader strives to achieve goals, it is not just personal goals that they’re concerned about. They make genuine efforts to achieve goals that benefit the entire organization – not just themselves.

6. Value-driven decision-making

In ethical leadership, all decisions are first checked to ensure that they are in accordance with the overall organizational values. Only those decisions that meet this criterion are implemented.

7. Encourages initiative

Under an ethical leader, employees thrive and flourish. Employees are rewarded for coming up with innovative ideas and are encouraged to do what it takes to improve the way things are done. Employees are praised for taking the first step rather than waiting for somebody else to do it for them.

8. Leadership by example

Ethical leadership is not just about talking the talk, this type of leader also walks the walk. The high expectations that an ethical leader has of employees are also applicable on the individual level. Leaders expect others to do the right thing by leading from example.

9. Values awareness

An ethical leader will regularly discuss the high values and expectations that they place on themselves, other employees, and the organization. By regularly communicating and discussing values, they ensure that there is consistent understanding across the organization.

10. No tolerance for ethical violations

An ethical leader expects employees to do the right thing at all times, not just when it is convenient for them.

Example:

As a nurse, we should treat the patient as equally instead of caste, creed and religion.