Introduction
Ethical issues involve a variety of problematic areas of the social and private life of a personality. These issues are based on cultural, historical, biological, educational, social, and other influencing factors. The discussed topic is connected with gender inequality and its prejudicial perception in leadership (Monroe). It is an ethical obstacle actively spreading on different levels of modern society, which causes physical and psychological harm to victims.
Summary of the Readings
The article with the interview is chosen to fully reveal the problem’s concept. The author talks to twelve women in high leadership positions (Monroe). They discuss their own experiences and advise on the current and potential outcomes of the ethical issue and solutions (Monroe). Such a conversation is crucial in preventing potential violence toward women who undertake leadership roles in the workplace.
It also helps to reduce the emotional gap of inequality between males and females. The article summarizes the interview’s speakers’ ten most significant pieces of advice on how women can lead their careers, avoiding the ethical issue of gender prejudice (Monroe). Eventually, the speakers offer their effective solutions to the actual problem.
Claims and the Factors of Influence
Thorough identification of the problem, its features, and ways of battling the main parties, as well as their opinions and thoughts, should be discussed. The article represents female professionals in different industries as interested parties. Although they gained success in their fields, these women went through harsh conditions of inequality and disparity between men and them (Monroe). The interview outlines the recommendations and insights on how to avoid violence, abuse, and negative attitudes connected with gender aspects in the high-ranking workplace (Monroe).
One of the women claimed that there were discriminatory behaviors when she referred to the HR department and went through the interview (Monroe). She recommends being careful when expressing career plans, maintaining an inclusive company culture, and, at the same time, moving forward on a professional path (Monroe). Such cautious behavior is needed to put females in an authoritative position equal to males.
The conflicts discussed in the article are unsurprising and have deep cultural bases. Culture is a factor that impacts the opportunities and possibilities for women to gain higher positions. The highest rate of cultural influence is observed in poor and underdeveloped countries, where men dominate society (Schünemann 22).
For instance, the cultures of Congo, South Sudan, and Yemen heavily impact women’s leadership or management positions, while Germany and Sweden are examples of respectful attitudes (Schünemann 22). Countries have different Gender Inequality Indexes, influencing women professionally (Schünemann 32). Conclusively, culture is directly connected with gender issues in the workplace and determines career potential for females.
Moral Theories Application
The case of gender inequality has been researched constantly, applying various theories. The consequentialist theory is the first applicable to the given case, stating that the inclusion of women into top positions brings benefits, and their discrimination in leadership has harmful outcomes (Vaughn 93). The second theory is Virtue ethics, which emphasizes positive female qualities that benefit companies’ leading roles (Vaughn 164).
The third theory is the ethics of care, which focuses on people’s relationships and their moral importance as crucial elements (Vaughn 182). Women are an integral part of the successful development of any organization or establishment, and the theory of virtue ethics proves it. Such characteristics as wisdom and empathy predispose females to balance thoughtful actions in their leadership positions (Vaughn 164). As a result, different theories should be considered to reduce the given ethical issue.
Conclusion
Conclusively, the topic of career development and women’s roles in leadership is relevant. The ethical problem of gender discrimination is present in this area. Although many countries struggle with this dilemma, there is still room for it in different societies. The cultural aspect is a fundamental driver of the inequality rate and the gap between men and women. As a result, the statement that this ethical issue is actively spreading in professional areas and causing a negative impact is proven and justified.
Works Cited
Monroe, Emily. “Gender Inequality in Leadership.” Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. 2018. Web.
Schünemann, Alicia. The Effect of Culture on Female Leadership: Towards Equality Everywhere? 2020. Universitat De Barcelona Business School, Master’s thesis. Web.
Vaughn, Lewis. Doing Ethics: Moral Reasoning, Theory, and Contemporary Issues. 6th ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2021.