BA 535 Lecture 29
BA 535 – Lecture 29 Study Notes
Course: Ethical and Legal Environment of Business
Lecture Topic: Conquering Ethical Temptations
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🧭 Review of Ethical Decision-Making Paradigm
Over the past weeks, we developed a 3D ethical framework:
God – His nature and character (e.g., holiness, justice, love, wisdom)
God’s Word – Laws and principles (e.g., Ten Commandments, biblical principles)
God’s Will – Plan and purpose for individual decision-making
You are now equipped to analyze ethical dilemmas through this biblical lens.
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📌 Lecture Purpose: Conquering Ethical Temptations
Shift from ethical theory to practical application
Focus on real-world leadership challenges in business and other vocations
Introduce concept of “temptation mapping”: identifying temptations associated with a specific leadership position
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✝ Foundational Passage: Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
This verse outlines three aspects of leadership:
Character – “Came not to be served”
Competence – “But to serve”
Commitment – “To give his life…”
Jesus models servant leadership: integrity, humility, and mission-driven behavior.
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🔥 Ethical Temptations in Leadership: 10 Positional Risks
Based on Clinton Longenecker’s research:
Manipulating Information
Hiding or exaggerating data to gain personal or professional advantage.
Misuse of Resources/Personnel
Using organizational property (vehicles, supplies, people) for personal benefit.
Inappropriate Sexual Relationships
Isolated, high-stress leadership positions can foster moral compromise.
Alcohol/Substance Abuse
Especially tolerated in some organizational cultures (e.g., military); may lead to legal and moral failure.
Favoritism/Preferential Treatment
Undermines morale and justice; violates God's attribute of fairness.
Failure to Report Wrongdoing (Whistleblowing)
Fear of repercussions can prevent ethical correction.
Exerting Inappropriate Influence in Personnel Decisions
Undermining due process to advance personal preferences.
Accepting/Offering Bribes or Gifts
Cultural awareness is needed, but ethics must remain intact (e.g., redirecting gifts to the organization).
Hubris (“Above the Rules” Mentality)
The higher one rises, the more tempting it is to ignore rules.
Seeking or Demanding Deference
Expecting special treatment or recognition beyond what is ethical or reasonable.
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🛡 Ethical Guardrails: 10 Practical Safeguards
Develop Accountability Relationships
Personal (e.g., spouse, mentor) and professional (e.g., chaplains, ethics officers) accountability is essential.
Maintain Situational Awareness
Actively recognize the ethical dangers of your specific role (temptation mapping).
Create a Personal Code of Conduct
Identify your personal mission, values, and leadership behavior.
Utilize Existing Organizational Checks and Balances
Leverage HR, compliance systems, or chaplaincy programs (e.g., Coca-Cola, Tyson, Southwest Airlines).
Build and Nurture Personal Faith
Engage in spiritual disciplines like Scripture reading and prayer to stay grounded.
Be Humble
Practice servant leadership. Example: Air Force Chief of Chaplains Charlie Baldwin washed colonels’ feet to show humility.
Create an Ethical Leadership Culture
Shape your environment by modeling ethical behavior from the beginning.
Maintain Transparency
Be open and honest—build trust, prevent suspicion.
Seek Counsel from Others
Legal, HR, financial, pastoral, or peer advisers are essential sounding boards.
Keep Good Records
Accurate documentation is your protection in case of scrutiny or audit.
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💡 Bonus Wisdom: “Life’s tough. It’s tougher if you’re stupid.” – John Wayne
Takeaway: Ethical decision-making requires diligence and foresight. Don’t let unawareness ruin your career.
🧩 Final Thought: Follow Jesus’s Leadership Model
Character: Humble, others-first
Competence: A lifelong learner and skilled servant
Commitment: Fully dedicated to the mission
“Ethical temptations will come—and you must prepare yourself.”