To Be Ethical Or Not To Be: An International Code Of Ethics For Leadership

Abstract

To be ethical or not to be that is the question? Leadership is about setting the right example and making a difference in people's lives. You do not have to do great things to make a difference (Ayres, 2004). Honesty, tell the truth no matter what, respect, punctuality, not judgmental, just, humble, and dignity can be international code of ethics every leader should follow. Much has changed in our world in the past several decades including people’s beliefs of what is right and wrong. Have their ethics changed as well? This paper introduces an international code of ethics that can guide all different international leadership styles. What is the definition of Ethical Leadership? How can we introduce an international code of ethics for leadership? Finally, leadership is all about example. While an extensive review of literature was not conducted, this researcher was unable to identify an international code of ethics for leadership. Consequently, it is the opinion of this researcher that the following leader characteristics may apply beyond international and cultural boundaries in most instances— honesty, tell the truth no matter what, respect, punctuality, not judgmental, just, humble, and dignity.