A primary leadership issue today is lack of a clearly defined, consistent and holistic value system.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Whether in governments, corporations, institutes of learning, communities or families, labels divide thought and inhibit critical reasoning. Pejoratives, such as, capitalism, socialism, conservatism and liberalism, are used as weapons in combative argument as finite and well understood concepts without regard to nuances.
In the cognitive process of decision making, problem analysis precedes a final choice. Problem analysis involves evaluating evidence against a set of basic beliefs, ideology, principles and goals – in other words, a value system. Unless a value system is first established and recognized, problem analysis can be faulty, and decision making inconsistent.
PROBLEM ANALYSIS THROUGH EXAMPLES
Issue: “Full inclusion” of special needs children into the mainstream education system?
The answer, difficult as it is, begins to unfold depending on whether one’s value system is “greatest good for the greatest number” or “maximum individual rights regardless of greater good”. It should not be: “Lucy is such a sweet kid; she deserves the best.”
Issue: Free health care for those who cannot afford it?
The answer depends on whether one’s value system (a) supports free handouts for humane reasons, (b) holds individuals accountable under all circumstances for the choices they make, or (c) seeks economic expediency for collective good. It should not be: “Oh, those poor people! Who will look after them if the government doesn’t?”
Issue: Greater regulation of the finance industry?
The answer depends on whether or not one’s value system is one of unbridled capitalism where market forces reign supreme within ethical standards. It should not be “Today’s corporate leaders are greedy and need to be regulated.”
If one were to support full inclusion (hence, “individual rights”), would it be inconsistent to support free health care for the reason of “collective good” or support greater regulation of the finance industry that would curb the rights of corporate entities?
The objective of this essay is not to examine the above complex issues but merely to highlight the fact that if we engage with issues without reference to a uniform value system, inconsistencies are likely to occur.
THE QUESTION OF INTEGRITY
Today people take positions on issues without first recognizing the value system, because today’s leaders often do exactly that. This leads to inconsistent positions and ultimate lack of integrity across issues.
Integrity is one of the foremost qualities of leadership. This essay suggests that integrity in a leadership role demands first and foremost the establishment and the recognition of a reference value system.
