A634.9.4.RB - A Reflection of Our Learning

The course titled, Leadership Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility was extremely educational and eye opening. The class learned about the foundations of ethics and how to steer away from unethical and unrepeatable morals. According to Webster dictionary, ethics is defined as “as rules of behavior based on ideas about what is morally good and bad” (Ethic, n.d.). I learned that people tend to make unethical decisions when faced with extreme pressure, fatigue, health issues and lack of knowledge (Ballam, 2014). Ethics is about the standards of right and wrong, in terms of rights, obligations, and benefits to society, fairness, or specific virtues and also cannot be deviated from (Andre & Velasquez, n.d.). Additionally, i was able to conclude that ethics can be taught; however, it’s up to the person whether to follow what’s right or what’s wrong. Ethics is extremely important part of society, and it provide a framework in which people can  follow; like abiding the law. Not falling for a slippery slope was one of my takeaways from the course. Being humble and not letting your position influence your decision making in a negative way is good character trait of a leader. LaFollette (2007) reminded us that ethics is not always so clearly black and white to each individual. The fact is that morals will varies with each individual. Each person is guided by different values, religious belief, and culture. Additionally, as our abilities and knowledge grow, it alters how we see moral obligations (LaFollette,2007).

Reflecting back from the course, i have three lessons that i can highlight. First, ethics is about doing the right things even when no one is looking. So many times leaders make unethical decisions based on lack of knowledge and ability. It was great to see my classmates perspectives on how to avoid such behaviors. They provided diverse and refreshing point of view and interpretation on the topic. Second, i liked the discussion of the The Golden Rule, which is to treat others as you would have them treat you. According to Guseinov (2014) the golden rule offers the subjunctive mood to allow an individual to express his/her attitude toward the moral quality of the conduct of others. This is not a moral or ethical value, but a guidance and way to live up to your morals.Lastly, the discussion on world hunger was eye opening. World hunger has effected many people around the world. It is estimated that Hunger and malnutrition kill more people every year than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined (11 Facts About Hunger in the US, n.d.). 

Overall, i greatly benefit from this class. The discussions, blogs and general assignments were related to my current position. I was able to grow in my ethical and moral decision making. The values a learned of ethics, morals and fairness are going to help me improve in the leader that i need to be. I would highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to critically enhance their ethical and moral values.

Abdusalam A. Guseinov (2014) The Golden Rule of Morality, Russian Social Science Review, 55:6, 84-100the

Andre, C., & Velasquez, M. (n.d.). What is Ethics? Retrieved March 22, 2016, from https://legacy.scu.edu/ethics/publications/iie/v1n1/whatis.html

Ballam, D. (2014). Ethical People Prone to Unethical Behavior When Fatigued - Converus EyeDetect. Retrieved May 22, 2016, from http://converus.com/ethical-people-prone-unethical-behavior/

Ethic. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2016, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethic

LaFollette, H. (2007). The practice of ethics. Malden, Mass.: Blackwell Pub.  

11 Facts About Hunger in the US. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2016, from https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-hunger-us 

A634.8.3.RB - Gun Control: What is the Answer?

According to Nelson Lund (n.d.), the right to keep and bear arms is a lot like the right to freedom of speech. The Second Amendment was meant to leave citizens with the ability to defend themselves against unlawful violence. Should American citizens have the right to bear arms? The simple answer is yes, this right is protected under the Second Amendment of the Constitutional and I believe every person should have the right to protect him or herself. If you were not allowed to own a gun how would you protect yourself if criminals break into your homes. Most criminal’s get their gun illegally and whether is legal or illegal to own a gun they will find a way to get the weapon. John Lott, economist and gun-rights advocate, points out that with just one exception, the attack on U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson, Arizona, in 2011, every public shooting since 1950 in the U.S. in which more than three people have been killed has taken place where citizens are not allowed to carry guns (Bennett, 2012). Additionally, the massacres at Sandy Hook Elementary, Columbine, Virginia Tech and the Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, all took place in gun-free zones (Bennett, 2012).  We can see now the importance of the right to bear arms or in other words the right to protect yourself and the ones you love.

In contrast, gun violence and unintentional shooting has grown. This might be cause by the inability of certain individual to properly use a gun. In 2010, guns took the lives of 31,076 Americans in homicides, suicides and unintentional shootings (Statistics on Gun Deaths & Injuries, n.d.). It is estimated that firearms were used in 19,392 suicides in the U.S. in 2010, constituting almost 62% of all gun deaths and in 2010; unintentional firearm injuries caused the deaths of 606 people (Statistics on Gun Deaths & Injuries, n.d.). If we can reduce the death toll, then why don’t we just get rid of guns? In my opinion, it’s because is our rights to defend ourselves from criminals and in certain situations wildlife.

Another reason for allowing the right to bear arms is by looking at the statistics of burglaries around the country. It is estimated that 3.7 million burglaries occurred each year on average from 2003 to 2007. A household member was present in roughly 1 million burglaries and became victims of violent crimes in 266,560 burglaries (National Crime Victimization Survey, 2007). This is to me evidence enough to continue allowing citizen to have firearms. I believe with proper gun safety training and gun safety awareness we can decrease the unintentional shootings.  

Bennett, William (2012). The case for gun rights is stronger than you think. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/19/opinion/bennett-gun-rights/index.html

Lund, N. (n.d.). Amendment II Right to Bear Arms. Retrieved May 15, 2016, from http://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/amendments/amendment-ii/not-a-second-class-right-the-second-amendment-today-nelson-lund/interp/2

National Crime Victimization Survey. (2007). Retrieved May 15, 2016, from http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/ascii/vdhb.txt

Statistics on Gun Deaths & Injuries. (n.d.). Retrieved May 15, 2016, from http://smartgunlaws.org/gun-deaths-and-injuries-statistics/

A634.7.4.RB - Ethics and Behaviors

The two video presentations by Dr. Bruce Weinstein (The Ethics Guy) and Chuck Gallagher were very inspirational and reminded me of the consequences of our decision. Morality is about differentiating between right and wrong.  Morals are based on what you think is right and good (Moral, n.d.). Chuck Gallagher (2013) found out the hard way, when he made an unethical decision. He was a sentence to prison for scamming people and defrauding the company he worked for. Gallagher initiated his presentation with a strong visual, and a quote, “You have made a terrible mistake, but you are not a mistake”.  We all make mistakes and no one is perfect, he was held responsible for his actions and lost everything because of it. Gallagher (2013) stated, “Choices will define your life forever, and your legacy”. We are not exempt from making decisions and I agree that some decisions carried bigger consequences than others. This is why we focus so much and emphasize leaders need to make ethical and moral decisions. We are responsible for our actions and need to see the slippery slope before its too late. Bruce Weinstein (2012) believed that some type of framework could be used in order to make ethical choices. I agree that training and experience will provide a foundation of ethical principles and hopefully encourage ethical behavior within people. It just takes one person to start a movement and change the course of an action. Chuck Gallagher (2013) decided to change his ways and now teaches people how to make ethical decisions. He knew first hand the consequences of such act, and he encourages other to avoid such mistakes.

The Navy embodies the ethical values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. We have seen over time how military personnel demonstrate courage, unparalleled commitment and leadership. Take for example, Navy Seal, Chief Edward, Byers who was awarded the Medal of Honor for saving the lives of hostages and several of his teammates during a rescue mission (see citation below). Ethics and moral values can extend to actions that will at times puts you in a situation that you are uncomfortable with. However, as leaders we must abide by the rules and policy in place. While stationed abroad, my squadron went through a situation where a couple of junior officers disregarded the rules and the liberty policy. This is an act of disobedient and to make the situation worst, they lied about it when confronted with the accusations. Lying and breaking the rules is an unethical act, and it goes against what the military believe to be right. The individuals were held accountable for their actions and are no longer in the military. I learned a lot from this situation and saw first-hand how being unethical can be dangerous. As leaders, we need to hold each other’s accountable and intervene when you see something out of the normal. I’m continuing to learn from my peers and I always try my best to relay the message of ethics and morals to my subordinate.

CHIEF SPECIAL WARFARE OPERATOR (SEA, AIR, AND LAND)

EDWARD C. BYERS, JR.

UNITED STATES NAVY

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Hostage Rescue Force Team Member in Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 8 to 9 December 2012. As the rescue force approached the target building, an enemy sentry detected them and darted inside to alert his fellow captors. The sentry quickly reemerged, and the lead assaulter attempted to neutralize him. Chief Byers with his team sprinted to the door of the target building. As the primary breacher, Chief Byers stood in the doorway fully exposed to enemy fire while ripping down six layers of heavy blankets fastened to the inside ceiling and walls to clear a path for the rescue force. The first assaulter pushed his way through the blankets, and was mortally wounded by enemy small arms fire from within. Chief Byers, completely aware of the imminent threat, fearlessly rushed into the room and engaged an enemy guard aiming an AK-47 at him. He then tackled another adult male who had darted towards the corner of the room. During the ensuing hand-to-hand struggle, Chief Byers confirmed the man was not the hostage and engaged him. As other rescue team members called out to the hostage, Chief Byers heard a voice respond in English and raced toward it. He jumped atop the American hostage and shielded him from the high volume of fire within the small room. While covering the hostage with his body, Chief Byers immobilized another guard with his bare hands, and restrained the guard until a teammate could eliminate him. His bold and decisive actions under fire saved the lives of the hostage and several of his teammates. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of near certain death, Chief Petty Officer Byers reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Gallagher, C.  (2013).  Business Ethics Keynote Speaker - Chuck Gallagher - shares

            Straight Talk about Ethics!  Retrieved from

            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUJ00vNGCPE

Weinstein, B.  (2012). Keynote Speech Excerpts from The Ethics Guy                              

Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLxbHBpilJQ

Moral. (n.d.). Retrieved May 8, 2016, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moral

A634.6.3.RB - What are Virtues?

Virtue is defined as being morally good behavior or character (Virtue, n.d.). A great man of great virtue is Benjamin Franklin, he was known as "the harmonious human multitude." In 1726, Benjamin Franklin created a system to develop his character, in which he listed thirteen virtues to follow (Thirteenvirtues.com, n.d.) The 13 virtues are as follow:

1. Temperance
2. Silence:
3. Order:
4. Resolution:
5. Frugality:
6. Industry:
7. Sincerity:
8.  Justice:
9. Moderation:
10. Cleanliness:
11. Tranquility:
12.  Chastity:
13.  Humility:

The three virtues that I found to be intriguing and would like to better incorporate into my daily life are tranquility, silence, and temperance. According to Benjamin Franklin to tranquility is to “Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.” This virtue is important because it keeps you from lashing out of anger when things are unavoidable. Instead, it teaches you to look at it from a different perspective. This is an area that I need to improve and better understand. I typically tend to overreact at certain things or get over concerned. As a leader, I need to foster a sense of tranquility when faced with complex problems. If I feel I’m being taken advantage of, I usually let anger drive my decision-making process; something that I’ve been learning how to control. To be easy to anger and easy to understand is a habit that I’m expanding on. By doing so, I hope to better communicate things that I don’t agree on and be a better communicator.

The second value that I need to improve upon is the virtue of silence. The virtue of silence is to “Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation”( Thirteenvirtues.com, n.d.).The workplace brings so much gossip and if we are not careful we get involve in such act. An example of this is promotions, how many times have you heard others speak about promotions and who didn’t get one. Leaders need to control rumors; the hard part is that rumors are hard to control. I’ve learned to be silence and listen, tell only things that benefit yourself or others. By doing so you are advocating an environment of positivity.

Lastly, temperance is something most people need to focus on improving. Franking discusses temperance as “Eat not to dullness. Drink not to elevation”. This virtue has to do with judgment and decision-making. If you can’t overcome the temptation of over eating or over drinking alcohol, then how are you going to make complex decisions? Temperance helps moderates our attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of things of this world (Temperance, 2016). Self-restraint is a great quality in a leader and it should of practice for people.

The thirteen virtues by Benjamin Franklin are virtues, which can greatly enhance one’s life. By being self-aware and training we can hone these virtues into our own decision-making process. Understanding that failure is part of the learning process will encourage leaders to keep going. I look forward to implementing these virtues in my life.

Reference:

Temperance. (2016). Retrieved May 01, 2016, from http://virtuefirst.org/virtues/temperance/

Thirteenvirtues.com. (n.d.). Retrieved May 01, 2016, from http://www.thirteenvirtues.com/

Virtue. (n.d.). Retrieved May 1, 2016, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtue