Ethical Theory Application in Leadership
Understanding the development and definition of ethics, the role of ethical theory in determining appropriate character and conduct, and the relationship between ethics and leadership will assist you in becoming both an ethical and well-respected educational leader. Part I: Using the assigned readings for the course as well as additional applicable scholarly sources, describe in sufficient detail with supportive reference citing what you believe to be the definition of ethics, the character traits, and conduct of ethical educational leaders. Part II: Many, if not most, difficult decisions experienced by educational leaders do not involve a clearly defined or simple right or wrong choice or course of action to resolve a particular ethical dilemma. Review the ethical dilemma below, and then use Badaraccos (1992) four-question framework to analyze right-vs.-right ethical dilemmas. Keep the following in mind: 1. Which course of action will do the most good and the least harm? 2. Which alternative best serves others’ rights, including shareholders’ rights? 3. What plan can I live with, which is consistent with the basic values and commitments of my company? 4. Which course of action is feasible in the world as it is? Be sure to defend your identification of an ethical plan to reduce your budget expenditures for the upcoming school year to your board of education, using the proposed reductions from your school district budget committee. As a superintendent of a large high-performing suburban school district with extensive parent involvement and support, you have recently learned a significant amount of your state funding will be reduced for the upcoming school year. A school operating tax referendum was recently approved by voters in your school community and you also secured a 3-year contract agreement with your local teacher union, resulting in minor pay increases for teachers. The state funding reductions will require you to eliminate a significant amount of money from the school districts operating budget. A school district budget committee has revealed reduction proposals in teaching positions as well as in supplemental services and programs for students. These proposed reductions involve: A reduction of teaching positions resulting in enlarged student class sizes reaching or exceeding the union agreed-upon maximum limit; additional pay would be required for teachers whose student class sizes exceeded the union agreed-upon maximum, The elimination of high school busing because this transportation service is not required by law in your state, Parents being required to pay additional costs for their children to participate in all extra-curricular activities, including all school sponsored athletic programs, and The elimination of programs for identified gifted students because these services are not required by law in your state. Length: 5-7 pages, not including title and reference pages References: 3-5 scholarly resources
