Psychology

Review the following resources to prepare for your Reflection Essay:

Little, L. (2005). Leadership communication and the Johari window. Administrator, 24(3), 4.
Tuckman’s Team Development Model
Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument
Write a three-page reflection on the experience of ethical decision-making as a team. You will include your thoughts on how you worked through your own biases, discussing the steps you would take to ensure that there is no bias in your treatment based on the Readings. Also, reflect on what you learned from the group process, and explain how this experience will benefit you as a behavior professional in the field when faced with real-life ethical situations.

You should cite a minimum of three peer-reviewed journal articles that were published within the last five years and list them in your reference slide. You should carefully select sources after reviewing the literature and evaluating the credibility, relevance, quality, and research merit of each source as it applies to your specific case studies.

ANSWER

Ethical Decision-making Reflection Paper

Handling Bias in Ethical Decision-making Processes

Ethical decision making is an integral approach in a group setting. Teams should always strive to make ethical decisions to create a conducive working environment. I have had the experience to participate in ethical decision-making. I believe that group members should always enhance their self-awareness, adopt rational and objective processes. Bias is one of the threats to unethical decisions when working in a team setting. The inclination to a particular belief or prejudice might affect a person’s ability to make ethical decisions. Working in a team setting has provided me with the opportunity to make ethical decisions by eliminating biases. Self-awareness is a key element that I incorporated in handling biases. It gained a better understanding of my traits, behaviors, and feelings. This enabled me to interact effectively with the other team members. As a team leader, power and control can prevent successful interactions, especially when the leader fails to increase their self-awareness. As Little (2005) states, power and control can become motivators for withholding information from other people. Individuals fail to make ethical decisions due to the influence of power and control. There are minimal engagements and interactions with the team members. However, I have learned that understanding who a person is and their comfort level aids in developing ethical decisions. It exposes a person to rational and objective decisions.

Steps in Eliminating Bias in a Team Setting

Working in a group setting calls for the elimination of biases to create ethical decisions. Understanding each person’s background, aspirations, and expectations aids in establishing viable solutions (Sharma, 2016). Anyone in a leadership capacity should always gain exposure to the unique cultures that make up a group. I always undertake various steps in creating a bias-free environment. First, I understand, question myself and others. This helps me to align my feelings and behaviors with those of the other team members. This helps me to develop decisions that reflect the interests of all team members. Secondly, I establish inclusive meeting practices where everyone feels welcome and equally valued. The primary aim is to create a collaborative environment as guided by Tuckman’s Team Development Model. According to Jones (2019), the model helps in building collaborative efforts among team members. They learn to work as a common unit. During these meetings, I review the roles and the agenda to ensure that each member understands the plan at hand. Lastly, I create supportive dialogues where each participant has the opportunity to bring forth their ideas and opinions. During these sessions, I engage the members in deliberating the solutions at hand to arrive at the best method. These steps always enable me to eliminate any form of bias when dealing with a team of professionals.

Insights Gained from Group Processes

Participation in group settings has enabled me to develop essential insights into ethical decision-making processes. One of the lessons acquired is the need to understand oneself and others. This helps the leader eliminate biases when adopting organizational solutions since an individual is better positioned to integrate all members’ interests and expectations. The other approach is communication which helps in exchanging information and resolving emerging confusions. In groups, conflicts are likely to emerge due to differences in their background. However, communication helps in reducing conflicts. Thomas-Kilman’s model is a strategic tool useful in minimizing conflicts in groups. It ensures that leaders are concerned about themselves and others (Altmae, Turk & Toomet, 2013). They become assertive and responsive to group members’ needs. I believe that bias elimination and effective communication processes are potential strategies that I will adopt when exposed to situations that call for ethical decisions.

References

Altmäe, S., Türk, K., & Toomet, O. S. (2013). Thomas‐Kilmann’s Conflict Management Modes and their relationship to Fiedler’s Leadership Styles (basing on Estonian organizations). Baltic Journal of Management.

Jones, D. (2019). The Tuckman’s Model Implementation, Effect, and Analysis & the New Development of Jones LSI Model on a Small Group. Journal of Management, 6(4).

Little, L. (2005). Leadership communication and the Johari Window. Administrator, 24(3), 4.

Sharma, A. (2016). Managing diversity and equality in the workplace. Cogent Business & Management, 3(1), 12. 12682. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2016.1212682