Week 4_DQ 1

Prior to beginning work on this discussion read Chapters 5, 8 and 9 in Correctional leadership competencies for the 21st century: Executives and Senior-Level Leaders (Campbell & Dobel & Katsampes & Mactavish & Yates, 2014).

In order to develop an ethical organization, leaders must be committed to the vision of an ethical organization. They must also be willing to take the steps necessary to ensure that their actions lead to building and sustaining an ethical organization. All members of the organization must also make a commitment to adhering to these tenets and guidelines. This overall organizational commitment is necessary to actualize leadership’s vision and policies.

Clinical psychologist and leadership expert Henry Cloud said, “if you are building a culture where honest expectations are communicated and peer accountability is the norm, then the group will address poor performance and attitudes” (Cloud, 2014).

Provide an analysis of Cloud’s quote, explaining how his ideology was practiced or not practiced by the 11 officers who witnessed, but did not participate in, the Rodney King beating incident we studied last week. Evaluate the ethical issues as they pertain to LAPD vision and mission at the time. Taking on the role of one of the 11 officers, explain, based on the premise of the quote, what the potential motivations would have been to stay quiet in this situation. Describe what the motivations might have been to come forward.

Guided Response: Review several of your classmates’ posts, and respond to at least two of your peers. You are encouraged to post your required replies earlier in the week to promote more meaningful and interactive discourse in this discussion.

Putting yourself in the role of an LAPD commander, respond to the motivations listed by your classmates for keeping quiet in this situation. Analyze the legal policies and constitutional mandates that would apply in this case. Describe what type of penalty you would be appropriate for those officers who witnessed the events without coming forward. Explain the potential outcomes if these officers were not held accountable in this situation. Describe how this inaction might undermine your organization.