Abstract

As a leader, morals, philosophies and main beliefs are an important aspect that facilitates what is adhered to by followers and subordinates. This is all the more significant for leaders within the school environment who have a major impact on students. This paper conducted an interview of three school administrators including the school principal and two assistant principals. Results from the interviews indicated that all administrators considered the term ethics to take into account being aligned to and compliant with the law. However, they also insisted that they lean on to their personal values especially when the law does not seem right. The interview results also indicate that integrity and honesty are vital aspects for an ethical individual. But most of all, the results showed that the administrators considered an ethical person to be one that sticks to moral values and standards regardless of the circumstances at hand. In my opinion, I believe that values, morals and beliefs are pivotal for any leader. I believe that school leaders ought to embrace and epitomize moral values and standards at all times owing to their major impact to students.

Introduction

Morals, philosophies and main beliefs are an essential societal aspect. It is imperative to note that the mutual morals, philosophies and main beliefs shared across the societal order and adhered to are deemed to be the basic foundations of societies. Leaders play a fundamental role in the formation of communities that are not only thriving but also effective. On an everyday basis, leaders partake in decision making that substantially affect the lives of their subordinates and followers. Important leaders in the present day society are educational leaders who largely influence the livelihoods of students. Significantly, leaders ought to make decision that prompt constructive change in the societal order, and especially with respect to education. Simply being in a comfort zone with the existing state of affairs is not adequate. Taking this into consideration, it is perceptible why the values held and adhered to by a leader are pivotal. The ethical context of leadership within an educational setting has an impact on the followers, which is indicative of the significantly more influence of the leader. As a result, the system of values, morals and beliefs forwarded by the leaders within the school setting should mirror the morals and philosophies of all interested parties.

Summary of Administrator Goins, Robinson, and Hobson Interviews

For this reflective paper,...

Administrator 1 is Mr. Goins who takes the leadership and administrative role of principal for the school. Administrator 2 is Ms. Robinson who takes the role of assistant principal of the school. Administrator 3 is Paul Hobson who is the assistant principal and also the athletic director within the school.

For the interview, each of the interviewees were asked a similar set of five questions regarding ethical standpoints. The interview questions comprise of the following:

1. What does the term ethics mean to you as a practicing school leader?

2. What are a few of your absolute ethics that cannot and will not be compromised under any circumstance?

3. What is an ethical person in your opinion?

4. What is the most challenging ethic for a current school leader? Why?

5. What ethical considerations must be addressed in your role in the school/district organization?

These open ended questions included in the interview gave the interviewees the chance to provide extensive responses. From my point of view, all of the responses provided were sincere and straight to the point. In addition, key themes from similar responses were perceived.

Subsequent to analyzing interview notes, it is perceptible that all of the three administrators considered...

…handbook, the values of the company comprise of results, respect, follow through, diversity of perspective, humility and self-awareness. This document emphasizes on school leaders to support these values by means of the activities and behaviors. Again, I think that this policy shows the schools emphasis on ensuring that the leaders are held accountable on their actions and behaviors to hold the highest standards expected of them. This value is not only perceived in the responses from the administrators but also in these important documents. I believe that these standards are what facilitate the success of an organization are values that I would embrace and implement in a school as a leader (Noble Network of Charter Schools, 2017).

Conclusion/Reflection

This paper accentuates the importance of morals, values and philosophies that are held by a leader. I believe that leaders have the potential to significantly influence individuals that look up to them. This is especially more important within the school setting where students not only look up to leaders such as principals and teachers but at the same time are shaped by the values and standards that are established within their schools. In addition, from my own point of view, I believe that school leaders need to embody ethical standards in their actions and behaviors. This is largely for the reason that they are expected to make important decisions on an everyday basis. Therefore, these decisions have to be of the highest moral standards. Furthermore, by having such values, it becomes possible for the leaders to ensure that they make the right decisions when the regulations are in conflict with the moral standards. From the interviews conducted and analysis undertaken, it can be perceived that the school administrators as well as the school in its entirety adhere to ethical standards and the values that have…