Victor Birikorang Danquah, a seasoned management professional with over two decades of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge to the forefront of ethical leadership. Enrolled in our MBA programme, his extensive background spans management roles in multiple companies and memberships in prestigious energy and engineering societies. Recently, he shared profound insights at a Goodmorning BSN webinar, emphasising ethical leadership’s critical role in fostering corporate integrity and trust.
Core Principles of Ethical Leadership
At the heart of ethical leadership lie the principles of integrity, accountability, and fairness. These values guide leaders in their decisions and interactions, ensuring they prioritise ethical considerations above convenience or profit. Victor defines ethical leadership as “doing the right thing and treating people the right way,” underscoring its necessity for fostering positive organisational change and building trust.
Challenges in Ethical Leadership
Victor outlined several obstacles that leaders face in maintaining ethical standards:
Professional and Social Pressures: Conforming to detrimental industry norms.
Pursuit of Pleasure: Prioritising personal gain over collective well-being.
Desire for Power: Misusing authority, which can undermine team morale.
Pride: The drive to win at all costs, potentially leading to unethical decisions.
Conflicting Priorities: Managing the balance between urgent and important ethical issues.
Being aware of these pressures and committed to ethical values can steer us towards the right path,
Victor noted, emphasising the constant vigilance required in ethical leadership.
Real-world Applications and Strategies
To effectively embed ethical leadership within an organisation, Victor advocates for establishing robust governance structures and promoting transparency. Strategies include:
- Developing clear codes of conduct that articulate the company’s values.
- Conducting regular ethical training sessions to discuss potential dilemmas.
- Implementing ethical audits to assess compliance and identify risk areas, ensuring that ethical practices permeate all levels of the organisation.
Margaret Adjei Danso, reflecting on the session, highlighted the importance of empowering team members:
Empowering your team with the responsibility to make decisions fosters a culture of accountability and trust, essential for ethical leadership.
This active involvement is crucial for the practical application of ethical principles.
Points to Ponder
Reflect on these additional insights from the Q&A session to deepen your understanding:
- Cultural Norms vs. Personal Ethics: How can leaders maintain their ethical standards amid cultural pressures?
- Importance of Ethical Codes: Robust ethical codes are essential for guiding decision-making and resolving conflicts between personal values and business interests.
- Influence of Personal Values: Consider how a leader’s personal ethics impact their professional conduct and the organisation’s culture.
Ethical leadership is an ongoing journey of personal and professional development. It requires continuous reflection, learning, and a commitment to act in accordance with one’s values, even when faced with difficult choices.
Join us every Tuesday morning for our global leadership discussions at Goodmorning BSN! and engage with experts and peers to expand your leadership skills and embrace the challenges of ethical leadership.