In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Brian Peckrill about ethical leadership in America. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Jonathan and Brian discussed the importance of holistic approaches to societal issues, the role of healthy business in society, and the declining institutional trust in 2024. They also highlighted the importance of ethical leadership in business, the need for the ethical use of human capital in the workplace, and the William G. Mcgowan Charitable Fund's focus on disrupting cycles of poverty through community-based grant making. The conversation concluded with mutual appreciation and well wishes.
Holistic Approaches to Societal Issues and Healthy Business
Jonathan and Brian discussed the importance of holistic approaches to societal issues and the role of healthy business in society. Brian, the executive director of the William G. Mcgowan Charitable Fund, emphasized the fund's focus on disrupting cycles of poverty through community-based grant making and the importance of healthy business for philanthropic impact. Jonathan agreed, highlighting the need for a systems approach to bring about sustainable change and social justice. They both expressed their belief in the potential for collaboration and conversation across different political and social backgrounds to tackle the most challenging problems.
Declining Institutional Trust and Business Responsibility
Jonathan and Brian discussed the declining institutional trust in 2024, as indicated by the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer. They noted that while trust in institutions like government, media, and business has been declining, business is seen as capable of leading societal change. This has led to high expectations from consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, for businesses to be socially and environmentally responsible. Brian and Jonathan agreed that businesses are responding to this pressure, with many focusing on ESG goals and the triple bottom line. They concluded that while the situation is complex, businesses are expected to fill the gap left by other institutions.
Ethical Leadership and the Triple Bottom Line
Brian and Jonathan discussed the importance of ethical leadership in business, particularly in the context of the Ethical Leader of the Year Award launched by the Mcgowan Fund. They highlighted the growing recognition of the moral obligation and business imperative of ethical leadership, with people looking towards CEOs to lead with integrity, transparency, and accountability. The award aims to recognize leaders who embody these values and serve as a model for others in the corporate world. The principles guiding the award include accountability, courage, character and integrity, empathy, resilience, and self-awareness, which are evaluated through the lenses of management of people, processes, and contributions to society. The conversation also touched on the concept of the triple bottom line, emphasizing the importance of balancing financial success with people-centricity and environmental responsibility.
Discussing Ethical Use of Human Capital
Jonathan and Brian discussed the importance of the ethical use of human capital in the workplace, emphasizing fairness, inclusion, and work-life balance. They highlighted the need for accountability and the role of different stakeholders in navigating these issues. Jonathan shared challenges faced by an organization he was working with, while Brian advocated for simulation-based leadership development and the use of tools to foster growth and understanding within organizations. They acknowledged the complexities of understanding and managing roles within organizations, and agreed that continuous self-reflection and learning are necessary to improve.
Listen to the webinar here:
