THE IMPORTANCE OF ETHICS TO ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

1.2. Leader-employee relationships

Every organization has a structure that reveals hierarchy and responsibility. In larger organizations, there are more leaders, making good interpersonal relationships among managers, as well as a clear understanding of responsibilities and duties, particularly important. The alignment of tasks and goals is also crucial. In smaller organizations, there is typically one leader, and here it is essential to consider the nature of the leader’s relationships with employees and how well employees understand their objectives and responsibilities. In such teams, employees are likely to know each other better, but there can also be a significant number of conflicts.

Key principles of ethical leader-employee relationships

1. Respect for employees:
   Leaders must respect the rights, dignity, and needs of their employees. This respect entails fair treatment without discrimination and ensuring equality in the workplace.

2. Integrity and transparency:
   Honest behavior from leaders is essential for building employee trust. Transparency in decision-making and clear communication help employees feel valued and understand the organization's goals.

3. Fairness and impartiality:
   Leaders should ensure fairness toward all employees, avoiding favoritism or discrimination. Equitable compensation, fair evaluations, and opportunities for career advancement are hallmarks of ethical behavior.

4. Responsibility for employee well-being:
   Leaders have a duty to care for their employees not only in a professional context but also to promote their personal and emotional well-being. Ensuring a balance between work and personal life is a vital element of ethical relationships.

5. Ethical leadership:
   Leaders must lead by example through their actions, encouraging ethical behavior among employees and addressing conflicts honestly and openly. Ethical leadership also involves providing constructive feedback aimed at employee development.

6. Involvement of employees in decision-making:
   Leaders should involve employees in significant decisions, encouraging them to express their opinions and participate actively. This inclusiveness increases employee motivation and commitment to achieving organizational goals.

Do take the following steps to become a better leader: 

Work on your weaknessess: 

Becoming a strong leader involves consistent self-reflection, developing emotional intelligence, and creating a supportive work environment. Striving to lead by example, empowering others, and maintaining integrity will set you on the path to success, while avoiding micromanagement, inconsistency, and favoritism will help you build trust with your team. By balancing these dos and don’ts, you can create a positive leadership presence that encourages growth and collaboration within your team.

Watch the video below to gain a deeper understanding of how emotional intelligence enhances leadership skills and fosters stronger team connections:

Source: UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (UC Davis Executive Leadership Program) Youtube Channel

Practical assignment 3.3. Take this test to assess your understanding of essential leadership principles, including effective communication, accountability, and fostering trust within a team. Let’s see how well you know the dos and don’ts of aspiring leaders: