Moral Leadership and Unconscious Bias

 

The article “Moral Leadership and the Role of Unconscious Bias” by Shonk (2020) emphasizes the importance of moral leadership, urging leaders to acknowledge their biases to foster fairness and equity. It highlights the necessity of self-reflection and ethical decision-making, as well as valuing diverse perspectives to promote inclusivity.

In my workplace, authority bias significantly impacts decision-making in academic advising. This bias occurs when ideas from those in power are prioritized over others, as noted by Mizzi (2022). Despite annual summer conferences where employees are told their input is valued, leadership often implements changes that serve organizational interests rather than enhancing our day-to-day operations. For example, academic advisors previously had the autonomy to address unique student needs but now must seek approval from upper leadership for such decisions, limiting our ability to support students effectively.

In addition, the article "Contemplative Leadership: The Possibilities for the Ethics of Leadership Theory and Practice" by Gina Grandy and Martyna Sliwa (2015) introduces the concept of contemplative leadership. It suggests that integrating contemplative practices such as mindfulness and reflection into leadership can enhance ethical decision-making and improve organizational culture. By fostering self-awareness and empathy, leaders can create a better approach to leadership and positively influence the organizations.

Overall, my values align closely with my workplace’s mission of providing quality higher education and supporting students throughout their academic journeys. While working within a large organization can sometimes challenge personal value alignment, I strive to cultivate a shared sense of purpose with my colleagues. Together, we focus on student success and enhancing the student experience. By incorporating contemplative leadership principles, I can build intentional relationships, engage meaningfully, and be reflective to better serve the needs of our students (Grandy & Sliwa, 2015).

 

References:

Grandy, G., & Sliwa, M. (2015). Contemplative Leadership: The Possibilities for the Ethics of Leadership Theory and Practice. Journal of Business Ethics, 143(3), 423–440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-015-2802-2

Mizzi, M. (2022, May 2). Unconscious bias examples to be aware of at your organization. Vervoe. https://vervoe.com/unconscious-bias-examples/

Shonk, K. (2020, July 13). Moral leadership and the role of unconscious bias. PON - Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School. https://www.pon.harvard.edu/daily/leadership-skills-daily/moral-leadership-and-the-role-of-unconscious-bias/