Running Head: ETHICAL AND MORAL CONFLICT

Indentifying Ethical and Moral Conflicts in an Open-Minded Society

Kelvin D. Hodgest

Grand Canyon University

Dr. Felix Lao

LDR 800 – Ethical Dilemmas and Stewardship

8 December 2021
 Indentifying Ethical and Moral Conflicts in an Open-Minded Society

Introduction

“We live in deeds, not years: In thoughts not breaths; in feelings, not in figures on a dial.

We should count time by heart throbs. He most lives who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the

best.” (Aristotle, (n.d.)) These words ring with severe truth, as society is no longer a society in

which individuals practice good ethics and strong morals. In fact, the world has become more

and more immoral, as television, radio, and even computers have helped generate a mind-set that

makes it easier for people to do both unethical and immoral acts. Consequently, during the last

century this nation has encountered several incidents that have displayed choices of poor ethics,

and a lack of morals. Events ranging from the unfair Jim Crow laws of the once racist south, to

the thoughtless and horrible business practices of the Enron Corporation have etched a

permanent ugly scare in the minds of people throughout this great nation. Although these events

took place years ago, people can still feel the ill effects from these events that brought both

shame and ridicule to the country that possesses dominance in today’s society. President John F.

Kennedy said it best, “The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics

whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities. We need men who can dream of things that

never were.” Thus, in this paper the author will provide the reader with information on how both

the Parable of Sadhu and the Good Samaritan compare with today’s society, the author will also

include a personal theory on how important leaders compare with one another, and finally, how

an individual’s culture plays a major role in leadership from both an ethical and moral stance.

The Modern Day Parable of Sadhu

 “The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man,

what will happen to me?" But... the Good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to

help this man, what will happen to him" (King 1965)? Much like the Good Samaritan, the

Parable of Sadhu involved a human being that needed help, and several individuals that had the

opportunity to provide help. Consequently, today’s society is full of Good Samaritan and Parable

of Sadhu scenarios, but typically the outcome of the modern scenarios is complete with an

ending that is not in favor of the person in need. Although leadership is thought of as being a

completely different topic, the need to provide individuals with assistance is ever-present in the

world of leadership. It is not uncommon to hear that a manager or supervisor has fired an

employee that is just not socially compatible with the lifestyle of the leader. Unfortunately, this

form of leadership or lack thereof is often the cause of homelessness, the break-up of marriages,

and the self destruction that depression brings upon some individuals. Like the climbers in the

Parable of Sadhu that were selfishly indulged in the ability to achieve an individual goal, leaders

almost daily, sacrifice the lives and livelihood of followers for mere self-gratification. Almost

every time you turn on your television, there are children that are starving, and in need of

medical attention. However, there are very few individuals that provide assistance to these

unfortunate children. In the world of the non-profit business, positive leadership is defined by

how the organization provides assistance for needy people, children, and the elderly.

Unfortunately, these groups are often denied support from big businesses because of personal

interests and political reasons. This author has personally experienced the often biased practices

of big business. It is not uncommon for companies that provide funding to non-profits to give to

programs that really do not need the money. This is poor leadership, and just plain unfair to both

the organizations that need help, as well as, the entire community. Nonetheless, rather it is the
Parable of Sadhu, the Good Samaritan, or donating to the needy; good leadership is seen through

good decision-making that is fair and beneficial to more than just the leader.

The Theory of Great Leadership

In the speech “I Have a Dream” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. says, “I have a dream that one

day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough

places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; the glory of the Lord

shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together. This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go

back to the South with” (King, 1963). Sometimes life has a funny way of putting people in

positions that are not necessary warranted. In the case of the late great Dr. Martin Luther King

Jr., this would happen and subsequently generate one of this world’s greatest leaders. As a result

of the infamous Jim Crow Laws of the South Dr. King would be hurled to the forefront of the

Civil Rights Movement. King provided leadership that was direct, but yet non-violent. Dr.

King’s style of leadership falls in the range of the afiliative leadership style. King was successful

at reaching followers through heartfelt speeches that touched the inner-soul of people that were

in search for a better life. King was also able to create an environment where everyone felt a

common bond resulting in a common goal. King exemplified what a leader truly should be, as

Dr. King was a leader that was going through the same oppression that was being fought against.

As a result of his oppressions, King was able to lead by coaching an entire nation of people on

how to gain rights without violence. Although Dr. King led a nation of African-American people

on the premise that rights could be obtained through a non-violence stance, there have been

technically good leaders who lead without a positive purpose. Unfortunately, this world has seen

some great leaders that led for selfish and hateful purposes. Adolf Hitler is known for being one

of the most evil monsters that this world has ever seen, but the fact remains, Hitler was a
tremendous leader. Although this author does not agree with any of the practices of Adolf Hitler,

when looking at leadership from the prospective of a scholar, Hitler’s leadership abilities were

extraordinary. Hitler was able to gain the respect of almost an entire country, while

simultaneously making every effort to wipe out an entire race of Jewish people. Hitler based an

entire belief system on destroying a people that he believed were trying to take control of

Germany. Adolf Hitler led with a Commanding leadership style, as he was able to gain the trust

of the German military, and subsequently overthrew the government. Hitler also thought that

there could a perfect world of people that were blonde-headed and blue eyed. Ironically, Hitler

did not have blonde hair, nor did he have blue eyes. Although Hitler’s leadership consisted of

torture and murder, his leadership ability transcends many of the positive leaders that have been

etched permanently in history. This proves that leadership does not only come from individuals

that are fighting for a positive cause. Rather good or bad, leaders are individuals that possess a

quality that is both genetic and learned. The ability to gain the trust and faith of people

exemplifies what a true leader should be, thus setting the stage for individuals like Dr. Martin

Luther King Jr., Adolf Hitler, Mohandas Gandhi, and David Koresh; both good and bad, but

leaders in every aspect of the word.

The Cultural Effects on Leadership

Leadership covers several different areas, and culture is definitely one of those areas. The

cultural aspects of leadership cover a tremendous amount of ground, as this form of leadership is

not only looked upon as leadership skills, but as customs and a way of life. In several countries it

is not uncommon for leaders to make important decisions on behalf of another individual. Here

in America people are so accustomed to freedom and rights, that living in another country is

often difficult and in some cases almost impossible. In several countries the father is the leader
of the family unit, which means that almost every major decision must go through this

individual. Arranged marriages, future careers, and finances are often decided by the father.

Within many communities the male is viewed as being superior to women, thus giving the male

the power to do as he wishes. In the country of Iraq, the male can discipline a female if it is

believed that the woman is being disgraceful to the family, the community, or the religion. This

is known as Autocratic leadership, as the there is one main leader, but every rule and law is

performed with detail and structure. As a result of this form of leadership Iraqi women were

being killed almost daily, as a result of the cultural belief system in this country. There are other

countries that have the same cultural beliefs, and of course, Americans find these practices

almost ludicrous. It is not uncommon for Americans to speak openly about the cultures of other

nations, as the United States often flaunts the fact that freedom and rights are second nature.

Nonetheless, cultural disconnects are what generate the issues that this world faces daily. If the

people in the world could respect one another, and make an effort to understand diversity, there

would be world peace.

Conclusion

Although there are people that believe that it is important to provide ethical leadership

that consists of high morals, and respect for diversity. The fact remains that the world’s current

state is driven by leadership that is full of selfishness, and also disrespect for diverse cultures.

There is a need for leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Medgar Evers;

men that believed that there is a much bigger picture than violence and discord. The modern

leader lacks the drive and commitment that society once took for granted, and now this world is

in shambles because there is no unselfish leadership anymore.

 References

Aristotle, Initials. (n.d.). Aristotle quotes. Retrieved from

http://thinkexist.com/quotation/we_live_in_deeds-not_years-

in_thoughts_not/221945.html

James, K. (1964). King james bible.

King, M. (1963). I have a dream. Retrieved from

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm