Management
The problem the article is attempting to solve
The article attempts to look at the emerging trend among the colleges that offer MBA to introduce the Hippocratic Oath for the students as the case of the medical schools. The article attempts to explore the impact of the Hippocratic Oath on the managers and whether it makes sense in the current business environment. The central problems addressed in the article include whether the oath is a requirement for the practice in the management and whether it can lead to improved management. The author attempts to explore the impact of the oath in limiting the agency problems in the corporate world. That is, if managers do not take oath to protect the interests of all stakeholders, they are likely to serve their selfish interests, and short term corporate objectives. Management is viewed as an art that require value based leadership and taking care of the interests of organizational stakeholders.
The central tool/model/theory offered by the author(s)
Without the Hippocratic Oath of the Manager, agency conflict, more so between stockholders and bondholders, may arise as a result of the default risk. Such agency conflicts that may erode stock value may be escalated in a situation where managers focus more on safeguarding stockholders’ position such as when management intentionally delay profit warning announcements until such a time that the earnings announcement is bound to be made public legally.
Personal reflection
The article attempts to demonstrate a need for ethical management. The central argument is whether management is a profession that should be regulated by an oath to address the personal failures of the managers or whether the practice should be self-regulating. I believe that the corporate world had its fair share of scoundrel CEOs, characteristically seen in the case of Enron’s Ken Lay and Jeff Skilling in 2003. This is largely because competition is increasingly high and to the success sometimes calls for unscrupulous actions. For this reason, it is not often rated find corporate executives with unethical attributes. However, some managers have managed to exceed expectations in this regards.
I believe that the Hippocratic Oath of the Manager is not necessary, and should not be made mandatory by the business schools. While the managers may take the Hippocratic Oath, they may still be culpable of committing crimes such as misusing company’s resources at the expense of the shareholder. Such actions should be regulated by the company law that clearly describes how a director should behave while exercising his/her powers. It states that they should act reasonably and diligently. The laws that supersede the Hippocratic Oath of the Manager indicate that directors should act in good faith while focusing on protecting the interest of the company.
While the Hippocratic Oath of the Manager may have its merits, the focus should be effective management and good agency relationship. Corporate principles and values should be applied as they limit the level of self-gain in a company. Even without the Hippocratic Oath of the Manager, directors should never act with intent of fulfilling personal interests. They should focus to protecting the interest of their companies and serve in good faith. Even without the Hippocratic Oath of the Manager, the managers should be an ethical leader not just because of their single decision he made in the face of a crisis, but also because of their personalities.
My plan
While I do not mind taking the Hippocratic Oath of the Manager, I will focus on personal career growth path based on value leadership and accountability. I will strive to an ethically upright employee who realizes that engaging in personal business using company resources including computers, phones, and internet is wrong. Based on a work ethics perspective it would be prudent that I follow instructions from my seniors.
I will strive to meet the requirements of the organizational policies including meeting the needs of all the multidimensional stakeholders. I believe that ethical employees should adhere to organizational policies, rules, and codes of conduct regarding the use of social media during working hours.
Level five leadership
The problem the article is attempting to solve
The article attempts to address the problem of poor leadership in an organization. The focus is how the highest level of organizational leadership can induce change and market positioning. With the lack of exceptional leadership, it is unlikely for an organization to shed off mediocre management and realize sustained growth. The argument is that successful leadership is not about hero worship but about humility and strong will.
The central tool/model/theory offered by the author(s)
The article focuses on leadership theory. The author narrowed down on level 5 leadership as an essential element in the management. To be such a leader, one must be ambitious. The ambition should be focused on the cause, the company, and work. Based on the theory of leadership, a good leaders should not focuse on himself but realizing the goals of the company and the existing tasks.
Personal reflection
I agree with the author on the argument that level 5 leadership is necessary to achieve corporate goals. The executive leader can help companies achieve greatness through humility and will. From the article, I gathered that leadership at level 5 is a course of action by which a person sways a section of people to attain a collective objective. The executive leader can show these traits through manifestation of regularly convenient behavior through individual deeds and social interactions and the encouragement of such behavior to supporters by reciprocal consultation and corroboration. The executive must be excellent role models for their employees and resist any inducement that may come up in the course of their work. The significance of excellent character and appropriate values imply that level 5 leadership is extremely intricate, and the ventures are greater. Such leaders play a significant role in institutions by being determined to attain the objectives, vision and ideals of their dominion, without conciliating their personal interests. That is, the leaders symbolize the objective, vision, and ideals of the institution and that of their followers.
My plan
My plan is to deploy level 5 leadership principles. I will do this through good rapport with my colleagues. Excellent rapport constructed on trust and respect is a decisive factor in institutional success. Creating and sustaining a steady relationship and connection with followers is critical in leadership. Majority of individuals follow leaders whom they feel they have a strong connection with.
How Will You Measure Your LifeThe problem the article is attempting to solve
The article attempts to explain how best a person can ‘measure his life’ to determine the level of success or failure. The focus is how a person can account for his or her life. The challenge is how to balance social and professional life. The problem arises when a person who is perceived as successful in a career is faced with a myriad of social and family challenges such as divorce, mistrust and spousal neglect. The article demonstrates that many executives focus on professional legacy. The legacy is based on an obsession with corporate success and ego.
The central tool/model/theory offered by the author(s)
Personal reflection
The article is beneficial to students with dreams of successful careers such as top level executives. The author offers a practical and emotional view of individual happiness and perceived success in life. I will employ self-made yard sticks and reference points to measure my life success and achievements.
Clay talks of good parenting in life. This is how culture can be created. I believe that the children should be equipped with the necessary information and skills for successful living. The parents should expose the children to opportunities and life skills to put them in advantageous positions. Education should be about experiential learning and challenging situations.
My plan
I seek to show family and organizational commitment in life. Commitment will be shown as faithfulness and affection to my family and my organization. I believe that the institution is situation in which a worker establishes himself or herself with a given institution and its objectives and wishes to uphold a membership within the institution. I believe that there must be a relationship between my company commitment and social life.
Works Cited
Clayton Christensen. ‘How Will You Measure Your Life?’ HarperBusiness. 2012.
Jim Collins. ‘Level 5 Leadership: The Triumph of Humility and Fierce Resolve’ Harvard
Business Review. 2001.
Sean D. Jasso. ‘The Hippocratic Oath Of The Manager: Good Or Bad Idea? Philosophy
for Business. 2010.
