Values and Beliefs Reflective Essay

Background

The reflection is based on the case studies which have been carried out to ascertain my competencies as a leader. These coerce the areas of Authentic Leadership Self-Assessment Questionnaire, Business ethics and Sustainability, the Gold and Diamond Working Sheet as well as the Moral Competency Inventory. The results ideally reflect on my understandings of the theoretical believes which guide in values. The results are a reflection of what I may have belied to be true values and guidance towards effective leadership. I have however learnt how some of these are false and should be shunned, as well as the fact that some of the believes and values should be shunned as they may not be effective in leadership development. Basing on the above tools, the reflection herein touches on the behaviors which I exhibited, the assumptions and believes which informed my practices as well as the justifiable explanation why some of the feelings have been harbored by me. This will be done in relation to the results of the tolls which were used in the case studies and questionnaires.

What decision did I make or behavior did I exhibit?

Moral competency is a behavior which I possess and exhibited throughout the assessment. This is also a reflection of my true self. I have high sense of morality and most of my decisions are usually morally guided. This does not only come from my religious upbringing but has also to do with the values I hold as a person. These type of behavior in decision making is relevant for the leaders as well as managers in coming up with the most appropriate decisions which can steer their organizations forward. I therefore have to nurture these behavior of moral competency which are relevant in coming up with the most appropriate decisions from time to time. Managers and leaders are faced with number of critical decisions which they have to make from time to time. The making of such decisions would require high levels of consultations among the stakeholders and those whom you are tasked to lead. Suggestions should be made by the group and the leader should pick the most appropriate decision.  All in all, moral competency must be displayed and this is what I have. As displayed under the Moral Competency Inventory, I am a good decision maker and therefore capable of stating values, beliefs as well as principles which define each and every decisions that I make.  My moral competence Inventory score stood at 89 which is a good indication. Of this value and its influence in decision making.

Self-awareness, internalized moral perspective, relational transparency and a balanced processing in leadership are some of the behaviors which I have and were displayed in the questionnaire. With scores of 20, 16, 16 and 16, these values fall within the required authentic leadership capabilities. These are required for any good leader in coming up with the most appropriate decision. These were the guiding values and behaviors which have helped me come up with very relevant decisions at my organization when faced with hard scenarios. The results from the measurements are therefore a true reflection of the leadership authenticity and the manner in which I can help in the organization. Ranging from consulting others before making decisions to being able to make moral decisions, this approach clearly define some of the behaviors which  I do have.

What assumptions or beliefs did I hold that informed my practice?

Beliefs and assumptions are very relevant in the making of relevant decisions from time to time. These assumptions have shaped some of the moral practices which I hold and have continued to guide the manner through which I make decisions. Consequently, I have held the believes that morality should be displayed at all material times in making our decisions. While doing this, there should be decisions which are based on facts and the truth. The decisions must equally be capable of bringing the required ethical values to the organization from time to time. A good example is under the Business ethics and values questionnaires which I undertook. The results clearly indicate that I am guided by economic and theoretical values which are relevant in decision making. As per the results, Economic values and theoretical values stand at 88 and 99 respectively. This means that I am an individual who is guided by decisions which are based on facts and the same decisions must be capable of bringing the required effective change to the organization. Departing from the moral assumptions in the making of decisions, I have a belief that each and every person has the moral side and this must inform each of their decisions. This is however not the case. A good example is founded in the Gold and Diamond Ranking Case study, as well as the Corporate Social responsibility Case studies which have been done so far.  Under the Gold & Diamond Watch, I made an assumption that each and every person should have the moral sense and make ethical decisions. However, the case ideally reveal how some people such as Abdul are corrupt and believe in bribery before awarding of tenders and contracts. Added to this, the corporate social responsibility as demonstrated in the cases of Global Batteries Corporation and Oz Gold. These cases reflect the assumptions which I have held requiring each person to have a sense of moral understanding, but continue to lack.

Why did I hold these views or assumption- explore your upbringing, education, religious beliefs, cultural background- does this explain it?

I have held assumptions that each and every person has a need to remain moral and have a sense of responsibility towards others. They must therefore be self-sufficient and make the most appropriate decisions which would not make the lives of others unbearable, or be endangered. This is the belief which I have held from time to tome and has continued to influence all the moves which I make. Its worth stating that i have been influenced by cultural background, religious beliefs as well as education. Culture are religion have influenced the manner in which I make the decisions, and are therefore responsible for most of the moral assumptions. Added to this, religion and culture teaches us to be aware of others needs and be mindful of what our actions may lead to if some of these options or actions are undertaken.  A good example is in the Barrier Reef Tours Case in which I have had the to blame the Captain of the dive boat and not the corporation itself. The decisions which he made of not being mindful of others while at work is a clear indication o how he failed to take care of the other people, thus leading to loss of lives. I believe that education has equally played a tremendous role in shaping how I reason out and make most of my decisions. Education shapes how we reason in most instances and has proved appropriate in my evaluation of choices which I make in certain situations. Departing from the above, it is worth stating that education, cultural background and religious believes have continued to shape how I assume things should be and how the decisions are to be made.

How I feel about the Decisions

Ideally speaking, the makings of decisions which do not conform to my religious and personal values have always left me with a sense of emptiness, anger and feeling isolated from the rest of the people. At times, I will have to disagree with people and make decisions which would end up affecting the person and the family. This may eve mean the sacking of an individual due to dishonesty or reprimanding an employee to make him or her change her actions. Such acts are challenging and lead to self-anger. A good example is the God & Diamond watch case study where Charles fires Ryan for his actions. This can easily cause a sense of regret and anger. The action is morally justifiable on one side, but too challenging. This is even against the utilitarian theory as it results to sufferings. This is one of the challenges which I have in undertaking this. The reasons for the feelings are based on a conflict between the desire to remains moral and the impact on the individuals. There is an internal struggle which comes with every decision that I make from time to time.

The Usefulness’ of the information

The study and self-reflection has provided an important illumination on who I am. I believe the study as well as the diagnostic tools has acted as a good point of reference towards establishing the true values and beliefs which I do possess. They define me as a good leader and capable of making the required decisions as it may be just from time to time. Basing on the above, this is not only an important point of refection for personal development, but shall also be used to guide in making the decision as they may be required from time to time. These decisions must be as appropriate as possible irrespective of their outcomes and how others feel. As a leader, I have also learnt to be firm in all the decisions which I make. The study proved a worthy cause.