One of the most interesting things I learned from “Ethical Role of the Manager”, is how deeply intertwined ethics are with the role of a manager. Even though some people see business as inherently amoral or claim that ethics and business don’t mix, this reading clearly shows that every managerial decision carries ethical weight, whether it involves people, the environment, or broader societal impacts. What stood out most is that managing isn’t just about performance or profit; it’s about making decisions that are fair, responsible, and considerate of multiple stakeholders, not just shareholders.

The idea that managers must be both moral persons and moral managers adds another layer of responsibility. It’s not enough to be honest or trustworthy privately, you must also model ethical behavior publicly, set expectations for others, and create systems of accountability. This dual role reinforces how important personal integrity is, and how much impact a leader’s character has on shaping an organization’s ethical culture.

I also found the ethical decision-making framework incredibly valuable. Breaking down complex dilemmas using principles like rights and duties, utilitarianism, justice, and care gives managers a structured way to think through difficult choices. It’s especially useful in situations where there’s no clear “right” answer, like choosing between layoffs or cutting salaries. These frameworks don’t provide a magic solution, but they help ensure decisions are thoughtful, balanced, and principled.

Another interesting point was about moral development. Only about 20% of adults reach the postconventional stage of moral reasoning, where they make decisions based on core ethical principles rather than just rules or peer pressure. This highlights why ethical leadership is so rare but also so critical. Organizations need leaders who can reason at this higher level, especially in today’s complex, globalized business environment.

Waddock, Sandra. “Ethical Role of the Manager.” Encyclopedia of Business Ethics and Society. Ed. . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE,

786-91. SAGE Reference Online. Web. 30 Jan. 2012