In my role at a healthcare organization, I encountered an ethical dilemma centered around workplace discrimination that stemmed from the hierarchical structure of our institution. This situation challenged the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, demanding a thoughtful and conscientious response. To address this issue, the principle of autonomy was prioritized. The principle of autonomy advocates for respecting the decision-making capabilities of individuals regardless of their hierarchical position (Wood, 2021). Modifying meeting structures to ensure that staff at all levels could voice their opinions mitigated feelings of exclusion and enhanced a sense of belonging and respect. This action aligned with the guidelines outlined in the workplace’s code of ethics, emphasizing equality and inclusivity as fundamental values. Programs were initiated by adhering to the principle of beneficence to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. This included training sessions to enhance awareness of unconscious biases and promote behaviors that foster the well-being of every team member, consistent with the professional code of ethics in healthcare, which mandates the promotion of well-being for all. Strict policies were implemented by addressing non-maleficence, to prevent discriminatory practices and ensure no individual was harmed by unequal treatment. This commitment to avoiding harm was crucial in maintaining an ethical workplace and was guided by the code of ethics. The professional code of ethics and internal policy documents explicitly forbid discrimination (Lisak & Harush, 2021).
Finally, regarding justice, fair participation was ensured by including employees from various levels in decision-making processes, directly combating hierarchical discrimination. The decision-making approach promoted fairness and equality and adhered to transformational leadership principles, prioritizing organizational success and ethical standards over individual self-interest (Horigian et al., 2023). Research by Collins et al. (2020) on ethical decision-making highlights the importance of balancing these principles to ensure that actions are ethically sound and foster a caring environment. A study by Esquierdo & Houmanfar (2021) emphasizes the role of professional codes of ethics in guiding actions and ensuring that ethical dilemmas are handled appropriately, reinforcing the importance of adhering to established ethical guidelines in healthcare settings.
The initiatives undertaken at Lakeland Medical Clinic to foster diversity and inclusion highlight the effectiveness of transformational leadership in healthcare settings. Integrating autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice principles created a more inclusive environment that respects and values every team member. This approach improved patient-staff interactions and strengthened team dynamics, making the clinic a model of ethical practice and interprofessional collaboration. The experience underscores the importance of adaptive leadership styles in meeting the complex needs of a diverse workforce and patient population, ultimately enhancing organizational effectiveness and patient care.
Collins, E., Owen, P., Digan, J., & Dunn, F. (2020). Applying transformational leadership in nursing practice. Nursing Standard, 35(5), 59–66. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.2019.e11408
Order this paper