The Gordian Knot of Ethics - Essay Example

Leaders are most effective when they are working with their subordinates toward a goal instead of standing over them supervising a leader's behavior is contingent on the satisfaction, motivation, and performance of subordinatesthe four leadership styles are fluid and adaptable to the situationBy working with their subordinates toward a common goal the entire organization is more effective. Working with subordinates toward a common goal echoes the ideas in Kuhnert and Lewis' paper in that by working with them, a leader is more likely to inspire subordinates with values and justice whereas if only directly supervising them, or transacting with them a deeper relationship cannot develop.

This also corresponds with the idea that ethics should be involved in management as Harshman argued.Kuhnert, K.W., & Lewis, P. (1987). Transactional and transformational leadership: A constructive/developmental analysis. Academy of Management Review, 12(4), 648-657.How do personality differences or internal processes determine either a transactional or transformational leadership style? Transactional leaders are influential because following them is in the best interests of the supporter.

A trade-off of some sort is madeTransformational leaders operate out of a higher held personal value system. Followers identify with the needs of the leaders. Vital to transformational leadership is the acceptance of leadership's values.Integrity honor and justice of leader transforms followers. Both types of leaders can be distinguished using constructive/developmental theory The study of transactional and transformational leaders may help to identify the outcome variables that are necessary to evaluate the different leadership stylesEthical leadership and transformational leadership are co-dependent.

And by working with employees as House suggested, you would naturally inspire them to your values.