Journal of Scholastic Inquiry: Business
Volume 11 Page 88
Leader’s Personal Ethics Dilemma and Conflict with Organizational Ethics Farai Katsande Regent University
Abstract In this case study, the researcher studied a national team leader of a non-profit Christian organization in Zimbabwe. The researcher investigated: How do leaders maintain moral behavior when faced with personal and organizational ethical conflict? The study concluded with eight elements a leader applies in dealing with a personal and organizational ethical dilemma. The elements included making moral decisions; showing compassion; reverting to spirituality and culture as the basis for moral and ethical convictions; doing the right thing and explaining the reason; making extraordinary decisions in extraordinary situations; considering what is at stake, helping stakeholders understand the rationale of choices, and making decisions that honor God; and serving people. A recommendation for further investigation on the influence of culture on personal and organizational ethics among Africans was made. Keywords: Utilitarianism, pragmatism, ethics, morals, culture, spirituality, altruism Introduction The primary purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the effect of ethical dilemma or conflict on a leader's ethics and organizational ethics. Personal ethics guides the leader how to respond to different situations in decision-making and problem solving (Paige & Martin,1996). Individuals get their influence from culture or the socialization process (Matsuo, Brown, Norasakkunkit, & Karasawa, 2019). Individuals develop a set of morals and ethics as they grow. Chances exist that leaders face ethical dilemmas or conflict with organizational ethics, due to the individual's character, values, and norms (Bass & Steidlmeier, 1999).
