Business ethics: Case Study2

Running head: ETHICAL LEADERSHIP PRACTICE: STARBUCKS 1

ETHICAL LEADERSHIP PRACTICE: STARBUCKS 2

Ethical Leadership Practice: Starbucks

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Campbellsville University

Ethical Leadership Practice: Starbucks

As one of the qualities of an ethical practicing leader, Johnson communicated the kinds of values shared by Starbucks to the community. He stated the importance of their representation and the creating of a safe and welcoming environment for all in each of their stores. Concerning the incident, he went ahead and decided to include the community stakeholders in his meetings to learn what better action to take. The scenario is a display of him using the Starbucks values to make or influence his decisions. The bold move of shutting down business stores for the sole purpose of training means he was concerned with the outcome that was once portrayed. It means the values of the company should be upheld. The exemplary action indeed makes the company even more relatable in terms of safety and a welcoming environment for all; positive feedback can be derived from this to both the employees and the customers.

The huge test of leadership on Johnson proves a lot about his stand and discipline as an executive. He takes the blame for the whole company and makes it his burden by rectifying the situation. Even the fact that he personally went to meet the two arrested victims and gave an apology is an indication enough. He issues an investigation to be carried out and provides a way forward. The fact that the incident seemed like a case of racial discrimination, he collaborated with the community stakeholder to find a way out (Glauner, 2018). The measures he takes to try to fix the situation is an indication of his comprehension of duties as the Starbuck leader.

The decisions made by the leader openly acknowledge his stand on morality and ethics. He did handle the situation in a human way, having an understanding of how the victims must have felt and how the effect would affect his company too. It is also right to say that it was morally right for him to apologize personally to the involved parties, and the measures taken were ethically and morally considerate. The subsequent actions that followed the follow-up video and statements were a clear mission discipline. It is the practicality of the Starbucks core values and the filling of the gaps of both the stated and the real values.

The type of exemplary leadership by Kelvin Johnson triggered a wakeup call to other business leaders to learn. In spite of how things went wrong even after putting up measures, he took the time to pause in this crisis and reflect on his organization's missions. Being that the gaps were created between the stated missions and the actual, his deeds cleared up the confusion between company policy and practice. Such is what the employees ought to follow and align themselves with after the realization of the practice and policy is clear.

Kevin Johnson contributed to designing an ethical system in his company when he lets his staff grow and have the knowledge of how to improve the company. The training of the staff and coming up with the use of the third-party policy creates a system that employees adapt to and align their values with the company's (Skeet, 2017). Even the acceptance of responsibility makes part of the system and portrays Johnson as an effective leader. The effectiveness of this leadership contributes to a longer and healthier relationship between communities and the organization. The connection created is likely able to help fulfill the company's purposes and goals.

References

Glauner, F. (2018). Global Ethos, Leadership Styles, and Values: A conceptual framework for overcoming the twofold bias of leadership ethics. Humanistic Management Journal, 3(2), 203-220.

Skeet, A. (2017). The practice of ethical leadership: A model for exploring an ethical leadership practice. Retrieved from https://www.scu.edu/ethics/leadership-ethics-blog/practice-of-ethical-leadership/