Unit rationale, description and aim
This unit reflects on the nature of ethical leadership and socially responsible organisations. Increasingly, effective leaders and organisations understand that ethics are an integral component of sound business and organisational functioning. The aim of this unit is to contribute to the development of ethical leaders with a commitment to the advancement of the common good.
Students will critically examine the ethical and moral frameworks that guide decision-making in organisations and explore what these mean for organisational processes and work practices. Consideration will be given to the leadership qualities of personal values and ethical decision-making in fostering employee engagement, cooperation, and trust.
The unit seeks to develop reflective leaders with independent, critical thinking skills who are equipped to apply practically relevant subsidiarity principles and ethical leadership practices in contemporary workplaces. Global challenges, rapidly accelerating change, and the need for more sustainable practices provide the vital context for exploring the role of ethical leadership in shaping organisations to effectively face future challenges in dynamic environments.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Examine theoretical, practical, and ethical issues...
Learning Outcome 01
Critically assess the application of different lea...
Learning Outcome 02
Evaluate core values involved in subsidiarity incl...
Learning Outcome 03
Develop responsible solutions for various ethical ...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Content in this unit is underpinned by a framework of why, who, what and how.
Topics will include but are not limited to:
· Overview – Are there Ethical Leaders? Leadership theories and styles
· Psychology of ethical leaders and managers – personal values and behaviours
· Ethical frameworks for leaders and corporate sustainability
· Organisational culture, values, governance and stakeholders
· Leadership, subsidiarity, inclusiveness and diversity
· Leading responsible organisations – ethical dilemmas, global context and future challenges
Assessment strategy and rationale
In this unit, to achieve the learning outcomes, two (2) main pieces of assessment are used. The first task is an individual written report that requires students to reflect on their leadership potential and critically analyse theories, ethical frameworks, and leadership models introduced in the unit. This assessment develops self-awareness and critical thinking in relation to ethical leadership practice.
The second task is an individual consulting project supported by a recorded board brief. Students critically analyse a case study of organisational leadership challenges, apply ethical decision-making frameworks, and provide responsible recommendations. The written report and short recorded presentation develop students’ applied knowledge, ethical reasoning, and ability to communicate solutions concisely and persuasively.
To pass this unit, students must demonstrate competence in all learning outcomes and achieve an aggregate mark of at least 50%. Marking will be in accordance with rubrics specifically developed to measure the level of achievement of the learning outcomes for each item of assessment.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Perception of leadership poten...
Assessment Task 1: Perception of leadership potential
This assessment task consists of a 1,500-word written report. The task requires students to reflect on how they perceive their leadership potential and to critically discuss their understanding of key theories, ethical frameworks, and leadership models using knowledge and insights gained in the unit.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Report
Artefact: Written report (1500 words)
45%
Assessment Task 2: Consulting Project (Individual...
Assessment Task 2: Consulting Project (Individual task based on collaboration with peers)
The purpose of this assessment is for students to apply their knowledge and understanding of leadership concepts and applications of ethical decision-making frameworks. You will critically analyse a case study (based on publicly available information only) where a leader of an organisation may have (or is) encountering ethical and managerial challenges. As part of your consulting report, you will provide recommendations for this leader to assist them to resolve ethical dilemmas and deal with leadership challenges. The consulting report should be 1200 words. You will share the main recommendations with the Board of Directors via a 5-minute presentation.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Case study presentation and report
Artefact: Recorded video presentation (5 min) and written report (1200 words)
55%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
ACU Online
This unit uses an active learning approach to support students in the exploration of knowledge essential to the discipline. Students are provided with choice and variety in how they learn. Students are encouraged to contribute to asynchronous weekly discussions. Active learning opportunities provide students with opportunities to practice and apply their learning in situations similar to their future professions. Activities encourage students to bring their own examples to demonstrate understanding, application and engage constructively with their peers. Students receive regular and timely feedback on their learning, which includes information on their progress. The fully online mode of delivery is particularly suited to this program, as it accommodates the needs of working professionals in the target countries who are balancing study with career and family responsibilities. Online learning ensures flexibility and accessibility across time zones, while also enabling diverse global cohorts to connect and share perspectives.
Representative texts and references
Daft, R.L., 2018, The Leadership Experience, 7th Ed., Cengage Learning US.
Dubrin, A.J. (2019). Leadership: Research findings, practice, and skills, 9th edn. South-Western, Cengage Learning.
Robert M. M., Stanley J. W., & Alexandra K. P. (2018). Ethical Leadership: A Primer, Edward Elgar Publishing.
Treviño, L.K. & Nelson, K.A. (2017). Managing business ethics: straight talk about how to do it right, 7th edn, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, NJ.
Sources for theoretical insights:
- Leadership quarterly
- Journal of management
- Applied psychology
- Journal of leadership
- Journal of Leadership development
Sources for practical insights:
- Harvard Business Review
- Forbes
- Wall street journal
- Conversation
- California Management Review
- MIT Sloan Management Review
- Business insider
- Financial times