TuesdayOct 26 at 9:12am
Manage Discussion EntryAccording to Batson, morality can be defined as proprietary or interpersonal (Rhode, 2006). These mixed definitions can be loosely interpreted depending on circumstances. Proprietary morality is adherence to cultural standards and taboos, while interpersonal morality is a subset of this in which people choose to do the right thing (Rhode, 2006). Moral people generally lead by legislation, by example, or by influence. Batson argues there is a fourth form—leading by orchestrating motives that prompt moral action (Rhode, 2006).
Tyler poses the questions of whether people inherently have ethical values related to the characteristics of their organizations, or if people’s values shape the behaviors of an organization. Adherence to rules depends on one’s self-motivation. If intrinsically motivated by their values, people will abide by them within their organizations. This is evidence that supports how critical rules and behaviors are to the success of an organization. When rules are ignored, there is little value to leadership roles which are intended to set and uphold those rules. The incentive-based model links performance to rewards, while inherent self-sacrifice motivation will enforce good behaviors with or without rewards. According to Tyler, self-interest has a higher success rate (10%) than sanction, or self-sacrifice (5%) (Rhode, 2006).
Batson’s point of view stems from the utilitarian mentality, or a doctrine the “right thing to do” is what is most useful and beneficial to a majority. Tyler’s views are more deontological, a theory that suggests rules establish what is right or wrong (Hennig & Hutter, 2020). Batson’s four prosocial motives suggest that doing the right thing is a conscious act that influences others subconsciously. Tyler believes people have limited flexibility in their actions, and that they should abide by the pre-established rules. Tyler suggests that rational people are self-interested and are driven by the motivation of shaping policy (Rhode, 2006). Deterrence from rules results in punishment, motivating people to obey rules, policies and standards. Conversely, Batson believes breaking rules is acceptable if it benefits a majority. Leading by example to create a better world by breaking rules that no longer serve us is a moral thing to do.
References
Hennig, M. & Hutter, M. (2020). Revisiting the divide between deontology and utilitarianism in moral dilemma judgment: A multinomial modeling approach.American Psychological Association, 118(1), 22-56.http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pspa0000173(Links to an external site.)
Rhode, D. L. (Ed.). (2006).Moral leadership: The theory and practice of power, judgment, and policy. John Wiley & Sons.
YesterdayOct 28 at 4:52pm
Manage Discussion Entry
Hello Class!
Evaluating how values shape behavior in companies may be assessed by taking a holistic approach to how values are measured. For example, an organization may look at culture, leadership and employee behavior, policies, diversity, equity and inclusion, training, and development initiatives from an inter-relational aspect versus single unrelated components. Based on the whole, one may apply accountability measures to ensure compliance based on approach.
Tyler suggests that rule adherence through self-regulation is key to legal and political compliance (Rhode, 2006, p. 215). Using tactics that deter behavior will aid in keeping individuals on moral high ground. For example, stealing is an unlawful offense. A single homeless
mother with no money and lack of resources may go into a grocery store and steal formula to feed her baby. Tyler's concept implies that theft is illegal and morally wrong regardless of the situation or consequences.
Batson suggests that understanding people's motivations (prosocial motives) which are driven by goals, helps ethical alignment (Rhode, 2006 p. 198). Batson's prosocial motives -– egoism, the promotion of one's self-interest; altruism seeks the welfare of one or more people; collectivism focuses on the interest of a group; principlism endorses a moral principle. Using the same example above, using Batson's approach. The single homeless mother about to steal the formula for her baby may be approached by an altruistic individual who will step up and pay for the formula.
The philosophy of Tyler and Batson differ in that Tyler seems to take a more rigid approach to ensure that compliance to rules is followed and that incorporating deterrents help to self-direct and achieve the desired behavior. Batson, on the other hand, offers an approach that caters to supporting one or more people. Tyler's philosophy aligns more with deontology and Batson with utilitarianism. Deontology is based on following the rules, whereas utilitarianism is what benefits the majority. Proponents of deontology posit that if ethical rules can be violated in one situation, they can be broken in other areas, suggesting that the moral rule becomes defenseless (Laakasuo & Sundvall, 2016).
References:
Rhode, D. L. (2006). Moral leadership: The theory and practice of power, judgment and policy. John Wiley & Sons. Schlossberg, M. (2016, January 12).
Laakasuo, M., & Sundvall, J. (2016). Are utilitarian/deontological preferences unidimensional?Frontiers in Psychology,. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01228