Allyn & Bacon / Merrill

Education

Browse available resources for Educational Administration & Leadership:



Ethics for Educational Leaders
Weldon Beckner, Baylor University

ISBN-10: 0205360912
ISBN-13: 9780205360918

Publisher: Allyn & Bacon
Copyright: 2004
Format: Paper; 176 pp
Published: 06/18/2003

Suggested retail price: $59.40
Buy from myPearsonStore



Appropriate for educational leaders at all levels of professional development, this brief book emphasizes the practical application of contrasting philosophical and ethical concepts to realistic educational leadership challenges.

Recognizing that educational administrators are required to make decisions in problem situations without ideal solutions, this book provides a philosophical and theoretical base along with practical suggestions and activities for making the best decisions possible in difficult situations.

The book emphasizes the practical uses of philosophy and ethics by educational leaders. As this principle is pursued, the following objectives serve as a guide to content and organization:

  • To establish the importance of developing ethical educational organizations, leading to motivation for ethical decision-making.

  • To show how philosophy and ethical theory contribute to ethical organizations and their leaders.

  • To develop awareness and sensitivity to what is ethically at stake in a situation.

  • To lay the groundwork for a theoretical framework from which the theory and practice of ethics in educational administration can be guided.

  • To be aware of the need for knowledge of the task, the situation, the group, the individuals involved, and oneself.

  • One short case study at the beginning of each chapter sets the stage for the chapter content.
  • Two or more short case studies at the end of each chapter provide thought-provoking, realistic examples of how chapter content applies to actual administrative practice.
  • Each chapter concludes with discussion questions drawn from practice, and relevant to the concepts discussed in the chapter.
  • Extensive discussion of the relationship between philosophy, theory, and administrative practice (real problem situations) encourages application of philosophy and theory to practice.
  • Suggested decision-making patterns to follow in difficult ethical situations illustrate the practical use of various theoretical and philosophical concepts discussed in the book (Ch. 6).

Each chapter concludes with “Case Studies,” “Activities and Discussion Questions,” and “References.”

SECTION I.

1. Introduction.

Purpose of This Book.

Purposes of This Chapter.

Definition of Ethics.

Some Ethical Questions.

Objectives of This Book.

Historical Preview.

Contributions from Non-Western Thought.

2. Philosophical Concepts Important to the Study of Ethics.

Rights.

Freedom.

Responsibility.

Duty.

Justice.

Equity.

SECTION II. ETHICAL THEORIES AND PHILOSOPHICAL DOMAINS FOR ASSESSING ACTIONS.

3. Objectivism and Deontology.

The Ethical Theory of Moral Objectivism.

Action Guide: Deontology.

Variations.

Arguments for and Against Objectivism and Deontology.

4. Relativism and Teleology.

The Ethical Theory of Relativism.

Action Guide: Teleology.

Arguments for and Against Relativism and Teleology.

5. Axiology (Value Theory) and Motive (Character).

Ethical Theory: Axiology (Value).

Action Guide: Motive (Character).

Arguments for and Against Axiology and Value Theory.

SECTION III. ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING PROCESS.

6. Making Ethical Decisions.

Distinguishing Right and Wrong from Ethical Dilemmas.

Dealing with Ambiguity.

Types of Dilemmas.

Pressures Which Create Dilemmas.

Organizational Purpose and Context Considerations.

Approaches to Making Ethical Decisions.

Codes of Ethics.

Other Suggestions.

7. Religion and Ethics.

The Importance and Implications of Background Beliefs.

Religion and Morality.

Barriers to Faith-Based Ethics.

Appreciation for the Value of Religion.

Natural Law.

Manifestation of Religious Belief.

Conclusion.

8. So What? Conclusions and Suggestions.

The School as an Ethical and Democratic Community.

Questions to Guide Ethical Decision-Making.

Religious Perspectives.

Servant Leadership.

Aspiration Ethics.

Ethical Bricolage.

Core Values (Principle Ethics).

Concluding Reflections.

Choosing a Model.

“The text is concisely developed, rationally organized, and clearly presented.”
Nancy Nestor-Baker, University of Cincinnati

Appropriate to all levels of professional development for educational leaders, this brief book emphasizes the practical application of contrasting philosophical and ethical concepts to realistic educational leadership challenges.

Recognizing that educational administrators are required to make decisions in problem situations without ideal solutions, this book provides a philosophical and theoretical base along with practical suggestions and activities to use that foundation in making the best decisions possible in difficult situations. Throughout the text, the practical uses of philosophy and ethics by educational leaders are emphasized and case studies at the beginning and end of each chapter provide realistic examples of how chapter content applies to actual administrative practice. As this principle is pursued, the following five objectives serve as a guide to content and organization:

1. To establish the importance of developing ethical educational organizations, leading to motivation for ethical decision-making.
2. To show how philosophy and ethical theory contribute to ethical organizations and their leaders.
3. To develop awareness and sensitivity to what is ethically at stake in a situation.
4. To lay the groundwork for a theoretical framework from which the theory and practice of ethics in educational administration can be guided.
5. To be aware of the need for and seek knowledge of the task, the situation, the group, the individuals involved and oneself.

View a Sample Chapter PDF:

For Introduction to Educational Administration / Leadership


Pearson Higher Education offers special pricing when you choose to package your text with other student resources. If you're interested in creating a cost-saving package for your students, contact your Pearson Higher Education representative for pricing and ordering information.

Pearson Higher Education offers special pricing when you choose to package your text with other student resources. If you're interested in creating a cost-saving package for your students, browse our available packages below, or contact your Pearson Higher Education representative to create your own package.



Copyright ©2009 Pearson Education. All rights reserved. Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Permissions