Overview
Ethical leadership is a cornerstone of effective human services administration, where decisions often carry significant consequences for individuals, communities, and organizations. Ethics provide a framework for navigating complex situations where the line between right and wrong can blur. This week, we will explore the foundations of moral reasoning, the development of empathy, and the principles of ethical leadership. Through case studies, we will examine real-world ethical dilemmas and discuss strategies for fostering integrity and accountability in organizational settings.

Module Objectives

The activities, content, and assignments this week will guide you in:

Understanding Ethics in Leadership: Learn the origins of ethical principles and their application to leadership and decision-making in human services administration.
Exploring Moral Reasoning: Examine Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development and its relevance to ethical leadership.
Analyzing Ethical Dilemmas: Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing ethical case studies and considering their implications.
Building Empathy as a Foundation for Ethics: Understand the role of empathy in shaping moral behavior and decision-making.
Applying Ethical Leadership Principles: Identify key strategies for creating ethical organizational cultures and maintaining integrity under pressure.

Module To-Do List

Complete Assigned Readings:
- Brody, R., & Nair, M. (2014). Effectively Managing and Leading Human Service Organizations (4th ed.), Chapter 18.
- Articles on ethical leadership and moral reasoning (provided via Canvas).
Engage with Media:
- Watch The Power of Ethical Leadership by Simon Sinek. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp0HIF3SfI4
- Watch Why Good Leaders Make Bad Decisions by Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/video/2223612137001/why-good-leaders-make-bad-decisions
Participate in Group Activity in class – Case Study: Blurring the Line:
- Collaborate with peers to analyze an ethical dilemma in small groups.