Set the Example

Setting a good ethical example does not necessarily mean subordinates will follow it. Some may feel
that circumstance justifies unethical behavior. Therefore, the leader must constantly monitor the
organization’s ethical climate and take prompt action to correct any discrepancies between the climate and
the standard. To effectively monitor organizational climates, leaders can use a periodic Ethical Climate
Assessment Survey combined with a focused leader plan of action as follows:

• Begin the plan of action by assessing the unit. Observe, interact, and gather feedback from others, or conduct formal assessments of the workplace.
• Analyze gathered information to identify what needs improvement. After identifying what needs improvement, begin developing courses of action to make the improvements.
• Develop a plan of action. First, develop and consider several possible courses of action to correct identified weaknesses. Gather important information, assess the limitations and risks associated with the various courses, identify available key personnel and resources, and verify facts and assumptions. 
• Attempt to predict the outcome for each possible course of action. Based on predictions, select several leader actions to deal with target issues.
• Execute the plan of action by educating, training, or counseling subordinates; instituting new policies or procedures; and revising or enforcing proper systems of rewards and punishment.

The organization moves towards excellence by improving substandard or weak areas and
maintaining conditions that meet or exceed the standard. Finally, periodically reassess the unit to
identify new matters of concern or to evaluate the effectiveness of the leader actions.