Introduction
The education sector is a vital contributor to the development and progress of society, and educational organizations must uphold ethical principles to fulfill their responsibility effectively (Pignatelli, 2015). Ethics are the moral principles and ideas that direct decision-making and behavior. In an educational context, ethical considerations encompass a range of issues, including ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment, promoting academic integrity, and fostering social responsibility (Jacob et al., 2022). As a leader in an educational organization, it is essential to consider the role of ethics in evidence-informed organizational leadership for establishing a community that supports ethical standards and enables positive educational outcomes. Leaders must prioritize ethical considerations and take action to create an environment that promotes social responsibility and academic integrity, as well as ensure an environment that is inclusive of all students and employees and is safe (Pignatelli, 2015). By upholding ethical principles, educational organization leaders can help shape a positive and responsible society, creating opportunities for growth and progress for individuals and communities alike.
Organizational theories
Organizational theories offer different perspectives on leadership and management and can provide valuable insight into effectively leading educational organizations while upholding ethical principles (Reed, 1996). Contingency theory stresses the significance of tailoring leadership strategies to an organization’s specific needs., acknowledging that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to management (McGrandle, 2016). This theory recognizes that different organizations may have unique requirements and challenges and that effective leadership must be tailored accordingly. In the educational context, leaders must consider the specific ethical considerations relevant to their organization and adapt their approach to addressing these issues. For example, a leader in a university setting may need to prioritize academic integrity, create policies and procedures to prevent academic misconduct and provide resources and support to promote academic honesty. In contrast, a leader in a primary school may need to focus on creating a safe and supportive environment for young students, prioritizing the emotional and social well-being of students over academic rigor.
In contrast to the Contingency theory, Classic management theory adopts a more hierarchical approach to leadership (Dahlgaard-Park et al., 2018). This theory emphasizes the importance of a transparent chain of command and a focus on efficiency and productivity. In an educational context, this approach may prioritize achieving educational outcomes over ethical considerations (Bush, 2020). However, this approach may only sometimes be appropriate, particularly in education, which is not solely focused on efficiency and productivity but also on promoting learning and growth. An approach that prioritizes efficiency over ethics may need to pay more attention to the needs of students and staff and compromise the quality of education (Bush, 2020). Therefore, while Classic management theory can provide insights into effective leadership in educational organizations, leaders must prioritize ethical considerations and ensure that they are not sacrificing the needs of their students and staff for productivity.
Organizational theories offer different lenses through which to analyze the role of ethics in educational leadership (Bush, 2020). While Contingency theory emphasizes the importance of adapting leadership strategies to suit an organization’s specific needs, Classic management theory focuses on a hierarchical approach to leadership, efficiency, and productivity. In an educational context, leaders must prioritize ethical considerations and ensure that they create a safe and inclusive learning environment, promote academic integrity, and uphold social responsibility (Garwe, 2019). By taking a holistic approach to leadership and considering the unique ethical considerations of their organization, leaders can create a culture of ethical responsibility that promotes positive educational outcomes for all students and staff.
Pertinent key ethical considerations
Integrity
As a leader in a university setting, I have experienced the ethical considerations that are pertinent to this context. One of the key ethical considerations in a university is academic integrity (Trotman, Lees, & Willoughby, 2017). Academic integrity refers to ethical principles in research, teaching, and learning. As a leader, it is essential to ensure that students and staff know the importance of academic integrity and are provided with the necessary resources and support to maintain it (Richardson & Healy, 2019). Academic integrity is crucial for maintaining the quality and stature of the university. It involves honesty, trust, and responsibility in all aspects of academic work, including research, teaching, and evaluation (Richardson & Healy, 2019). Academic integrity is vital for ensuring that research is conducted ethically, that students are evaluated fairly and accurately, and that the knowledge and information produced by the university are trustworthy. As a leader in a university setting, it is important to promote academic integrity and ensure that students and staff are aware of its importance (Richardson & Healy, 2019).
A safe and inclusive learning environment
Universities are also places for academic learning, personal growth, social interaction, and community building. Creating a safe and inclusive learning environment is an ethical imperative for universities as they are responsible for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (Rivera-McCutchen, 2014). Inclusivity means that every student and staff member, regardless of their background, identity, or ability, feels welcomed, respected, and supported. Discrimination and harassment are antithetical to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion (Trotman, Lees, & Willoughby, 2017). Universities must proactively address these issues and ensure everyone feels safe. This includes training staff and students, setting clear expectations for behavior, and having a reporting and response system in place. The university must also foster a culture of respect, where people can disagree and debate ideas without resorting to personal attacks or hate speech (Rivera-McCutchen, 2014).
Furthermore, universities must address mental health and well-being issues among their staff and students. Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress can impact academic performance and personal well-being (Weare, 2015). Universities can provide resources such as counseling services, support groups, and mental health awareness campaigns to help students and staff address mental health issues. Finally, universities must ensure their policies and practices promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (Rhonda, 2018). This includes promoting diversity in hiring practices, curriculum development, and research. It also involves removing access barriers and ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to succeed. By creating a safe and inclusive learning environment, universities can fulfill their ethical obligation to promote the well-being of their staff and students and contribute to a more just and equitable society.
Organizational Theories in an educational context
Contingency Theory in an educational context
Contingency theory is a leadership approach that suggests a leader’s style should be adaptable to the situation and the organization’s needs (Deshwal & Ashraf, 2020). In the educational context, a leader should consider the specific ethical considerations relevant to their institution and tailor their approach accordingly (Trotman, Lees, & Willoughby, 2017). By doing so, leaders can promote a culture of ethical behavior, which is essential for achieving the institution’s goals and maintaining the trust of stakeholders. One ethical consideration in the educational context is academic integrity. Leaders should prioritize academic integrity by developing policies and procedures to prevent academic misconduct, such as plagiarism and cheating (Bylieva et al., 2020). Leaders can also provide resources and support to promote academic integrity, such as educational workshops, academic integrity training, and access to plagiarism detection software.
Another ethical consideration in education is providing a safe and inclusive learning environment. Leaders should prioritize the well-being of their students and staff, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported (Graham et al., 2022). This includes addressing issues of discrimination and harassment and providing resources and support for mental health and well-being. Leaders can prioritize safety and inclusivity by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in their hiring practices, curriculum development, and research. Leaders can also provide resources and support for mental health, such as counseling services, support groups, and mental health awareness campaigns (Graham et al., 2022). A third ethical consideration in education is financial responsibility. Leaders must manage the institution’s resources responsibly and ethically, ensuring that resources are used to achieve the institution’s goals and objectives (Liu et al., 2021). Leaders should prioritize financial responsibility by developing and implementing financial policies and procedures, such as budgeting and forecasting, to ensure that resources are allocated effectively. Leaders can also provide financial literacy training to students and staff to promote responsible financial management.
In summary, contingency theory suggests that a leader’s approach should be tailored to the situation and the needs of the organization. In an educational context, leaders should consider the specific ethical considerations relevant to their institution and tailor their approach accordingly. Academic integrity, providing a safe and inclusive learning environment, and financial responsibility are three ethical considerations that educational leaders must prioritize. By prioritizing these ethical considerations, leaders can promote a culture of ethical behavior, which is essential for achieving the institution’s goals and maintaining the trust of stakeholders.
Classic management theory in an educational context
Classic management theory is a leadership approach that emphasizes efficiency and productivity over ethical considerations (Paais & Pattiruhu, 2020). This approach typically involves a hierarchical structure with clear lines of authority and a focus on achieving organizational goals. While this approach may be effective in some contexts, it may not be appropriate in the educational context, where the primary goal is promoting learning and growth. In an educational context, a more hierarchical approach to leadership may overlook the ethical considerations essential to achieving the institution’s goals (Shaked, 2020). Educational institutions are responsible for promoting ethical behavior and maintaining stakeholders’ trust, including students, parents, and the community. A leader who prioritizes efficiency over ethics may compromise the quality of education and overlook the needs of students and staff.
In contrast to classic management theory, educational leadership should prioritize ethical considerations. One of the ethical considerations that educational leaders must prioritize is academic integrity. Academic integrity is essential to ensure that students earn their degrees honestly and maintain the institution’s reputation. Leaders should prioritize academic integrity by developing policies and procedures to prevent academic misconduct, such as plagiarism and cheating (Surahman & Wang, 2022). Leaders can also provide resources and support to promote academic integrity, such as educational workshops, academic integrity training, and access to plagiarism detection software.
Another ethical consideration in education is providing a safe and inclusive learning environment. Leaders should prioritize their students and staff’s safety and well-being, ensuring everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported. This includes addressing issues of discrimination and harassment and providing resources and support for mental health and well-being. Leaders can prioritize safety and inclusivity by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in their hiring practices, curriculum development, and research (White et al., 2021). A third ethical consideration in education is financial responsibility. Leaders must manage the institution’s resources responsibly and ethically, ensuring that resources are used to achieve the institution’s goals and objectives. Leaders should prioritize financial responsibility by developing and implementing financial policies and procedures, such as budgeting and forecasting, to ensure that resources are allocated effectively. Leaders can also provide financial literacy training to students and staff to promote responsible financial management.
In an educational context, a more collaborative approach to leadership may be more appropriate than a hierarchical approach. Collaboration allows for more diverse perspectives and promotes a culture of shared responsibility (Trotman, Lees, & Willoughby, 2017). Collaboration can also promote ethical behavior by ensuring that decisions are made with the best interests of students and staff in mind. Leaders can promote collaboration by involving students, staff, and other stakeholders in decision-making, establishing communication channels for feedback and ideas, and encouraging teamwork and cooperation (Trotman, Lees, & Willoughby, 2017). In summary, classic management theory suggests a more hierarchical approach to leadership, prioritizing efficiency and productivity over ethical considerations.
However, in an educational context, there may be more appropriate approaches. Education is not solely focused on efficiency and productivity but on promoting learning and growth. A leader who prioritizes efficiency over ethical considerations may need to pay more attention to the needs of students and staff and compromise the quality of education. Educational leaders should prioritize ethical considerations such as academic integrity, a safe and inclusive learning environment, and financial responsibility (Trotman, Lees, & Willoughby, 2017). Educational leaders should also promote collaboration and teamwork to ensure that decisions are made with the best interests of students and staff in mind. By prioritizing these ethical considerations and promoting collaboration, educational leaders can create a culture of ethical behavior that promotes learning and growth for all.
Conclusion
Ethics play a crucial role in evidence-informed organizational leadership in an educational context. A leader in this context must prioritize ethical considerations by creating a safe and inclusive learning environment, promoting academic integrity, and upholding social responsibility. Both Contingency and Classic management theories provide valuable insights into effective leadership, but a leader must consider the ethical considerations that are pertinent to their context and tailor their approach accordingly. In an educational context, efficiency and productivity should not be prioritized over ethical considerations, as the primary goal is promoting learning and growth. Ultimately, a leader who prioritizes ethics will ensure that students and staff are supported, trust is maintained, and the quality of education is upheld.
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