Characteristics Of An Ethical Leader

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An ethical leader and an administrators he or she face ethical issues that arise in many forms and raise difficult questions of administrative responsibilities. This paper outlines a number of methods of what makes a good ethical leader based of the theories of relativism, absolutism, utilitarianism, categorical imperative, social contract, and virtues ethics. As an ethical leader, one is faced with many ethical challenges that addresses questions of the morality of what is right and wrong. The ability for a leader to perform and carryout his or her duty and responsibilities relies on having the knowledge and understanding of what characteristics and actions make for a good moral and ethical leader.

Introduction
The ability for a leader
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Whereas some rights are absolute. Hobbes argues that “to escape the state of nature, we must find a way to work together” (Hobbes as cited in (Rachels & Rachels, 2015, p. 84). It is not easy to establish a society, because for this to happen people must agree on rules to govern their interactions. Hobbes example of this is to not harm another and not to break a promise, which he calls this agreement a social contract. Ethical leaders understand as a society, we have certain rules that must be followed and ways those rules are to be enforced. Ethical leaders according to (Rousseau as cited by Rachels & Rachels, 2015), are required to set aside their “self-centered designs in favor of rules that benefit everyone” (p. 85). An ethical leader understands that he or she has the right to do whatever they want as long as it does not impinge on other people’s rights. For an ethical leader to respect people, they must respect for …show more content…
The morally binding rules are the ones that facility harmonious social living. An ethical leader understands this as not allowing of theft, lying. And breaking promises. By leading by example for others to follow promotes harmony and cooperation.
3. Why is it rational for us to follow the moral rules?
4. Ethical leaders understand that we follow moral rules because of the benefits of working in a place where the rules are accepted. Also to avoid being punished if those rules are broken. An ethical leader know that they must follow the rules that same as their subordinates must follow.
5. Under what circumstances is it rational to break the rules?
6. An ethical leader understands that by breaking the rules, he or she is releasing others from their obligation towards them are making themselves open to retaliation. This is why rules are enforced. Rules only apply if other people follow them.
7. How much can morality demand of us?
Ethical leaders understand that morality is impartial, that there is no greater weight to their own interest than to the interest of others. Ethical leaders understand that they will not expect others to follow where rational people will not agree to rules so demanding others won’t follow them.
Ethical Theory: Virtues

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