Each student will write a paper that discusses and responds to the principal
challenges to the possibility of ethical leadership: (1) the corruptive nature of power,
(2) ends justifying the means (dirty hands), and (3) being good among so many who
are good (Ciulla, 2002). Overcoming these challenges can be argued to be the
central problem for both the theory and practice of moral leadership. It is an enduring
problem for students of leadership and scholarship in leadership ethics.
Students should demonstrate original and well-supported conclusions about
appropriate responses to these challenges. Such conclusions may be based in
research, including review of selected major works and major issues, in the fields of
moral theory, moral psychology, practical ethics and leadership studies. Multiple
references from multiple sources, including opposing points of view, are expected.
Students’ ethical self-awareness, particularly as a leader, should be demonstrated.
Furthermore, regardless of solutions offered, students should demonstrate abilities to
recognize, understand, apply and evaluate different ethical, moral perspectives and
concepts. Students should discuss others’ perspectives and how those perspectives
inform the student’s conclusions. Reference should be made to the ethics case group
project and its civic context. The ethics case is a collaborative assignment that should
produce multiple examples of how students comprehend, express, and adapt to ideas
based on others’ perspectives.
Students should conclude with findings and conclusions from which they derived their
personal code of leadership ethics (principles and values). Developing a personal
code of ethics can be an important and meaningful exercise in articulating one’s
values and principles and establishing a set of guidelines for decision making. For
this assignment you will create your own code of ethics that will ideally provide you
with some additional guidance in the next stages of your professional and personal
life. Keep in mind concepts of ethics and power as you develop your code of ethics.
This personal code should include civic identity and the ethical and professional
responsibilities of a leader.
Papers must include appropriate citations. Online sites may be used as long as such
references are held to a minimum and are clearly identified with an author and
internal citations as appropriate.
Papers should be at least 2,500 words. The paper should be double-spaced, and all
margins should measure at least one inch. All papers should be typed, should be free
of typographical errors and be representative of the high-quality thinking and writing
expected of college students. Selected type face should be standard and easy-to-
read such as Times New Roman or Arial. The point size for all text must be 12. APA
style is preferred.
Students will be given opportunities for formative and summative feedback as
appropriate such that students are able to revise initial drafts of writing. This does
not mean that a revision is an opportunity to complete your paper, your best
effort should be submitted initially. If I deem your paper is in need of a revision, we
will discuss accordingly.
Students may choose to pursue a submission of a proposal for presentation or
publication at a conference or journal sponsored by profession and academic
organizations such as the Association for Professional and Practical Ethics (APPE) or
the International Leadership Association (ILA). Assessment: Papers must demonstrate higher order research, written
communication, and ethical reasoning skills consistent with the Enhanced General
Education Assignment 1 Rubric, Scholarly Inquiry, and with criteria specified in the
ERCE Standardized Rubric.
