Strategically approaching ethical dilemmas will better equip leaders to avoid problems, biases, and situational pressures.
Hickman (1998) quotes Aristotle’s advice regarding ethics, “the spirit of morality is awakened in the individual only through the witness and conduct of a moral reason” (p. 361). The author is noting that followers can only learn inasmuch as they observe by example. Mackie, Taylor, Finegold, Daar, and Singer (2006) discuss the importance of having an identifiable leader within an organization who charismatically champions ethical causes by displaying a deep sense of commitment. Followers are more likely to commit to ethics already committed to by the leader.
Ward (2005) examines the role of formal reasoning in leading others in ethics, and argues that it is not formal reasoning that followers need but rather metaphors, allegories, parables, narrative storytelling, and life experiences. The author concludes that these methods are not conducive to formal reasoning, but neither are they irrational. Instead, by way of sharing examples and stories, followers are better able to grasp the ethical action. Jesus often adopted this way of teaching by sharing parables to instruct His followers in morality and ethics.
Nekoranec (2009) identified the role a leader should take on when around followers. The “identified role of leader is to personify espoused values, build relationship for harmony and purpose and work for mutually beneficial solutions” (p. 4). The author notes the importance of creating win-win situations, especially as it relates to ethics and finances. Those that practice ethical leadership and sustain profits gain the greatest respect from followers.
Werpehowski (2007) approaches the ethical leader’s role from a spiritual perspective. The author states that the ethical leader is one who reconciles humanity back to God and restores followers from the bondage of sin. Followers of an ethical leader will “see divine immanence in such a life…unfolding of God's agency in liberating pardon, sovereign judgment, creaturely blessing, and faithful love over against the damage brought by sin, suffering, death, and hopelessness” (p. 60). Yet, Hickman (1998) reminds one that, “the paradox and central tension of ethics lie in the fact that while we are by nature communal and in need of others, at the same time we are by disposition more or less egocentric and self-serving (p. 363)”
Kaptein, Huberts, Avelino and Lasthuizen (2005) note that, in the end, ethical leaders can best influence followers by measuring the results of their actions. The authors propose surveying employees, which can provide great insight into the overall ethical pulse of the organization. “Surveys can reveal the extent and possible consequences of unethical behavior in organizations and illuminate the characteristics of ethical leadership” (p. 303). The authors note that leaders will then be able to gauge their effectiveness of implementing ethics.