Introduction

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-3660(2011)0000012003
• Pages: xi-xiii
• Published date: 25 July 2011
• Date: 25 July 2011
• Author: Anthony H. Normore,Brian D. Fitch

INTRODUCTION

The topic of ethics and ethical behavior has existed for centuries. Many

disciplines (e.g., medicine, law, educational leadership, law enforcement, etc.,)

believe that Socrates was the f‌irst philosopher to delve into the issue of ethics.

As society has evolved, the questions and concerns that involve ethics and

ethical behavior have grown more diff‌icult to address. Ethical standards have

become both more complex and scrutinized by the public than at any other

time in history. Therefore, leadership personnel across an array of disciplines

must carry out tasks assigned to them while the rules and laws constantly

change and their freedom to perform the necessary tasks becomes obstructed.

For example, citizens expect educators in public schools, correctional

facilities, and law enforcement off‌icials to operate in an eff‌icient and

professional manner without expressing personal views and emotions. To

accomplish this, these professions must have a strict and unwavering

adherence to a code of ethics, a code of conduct, remain ethical, a

commitment to issues of equity and excellence, and conduct themselves

accordingly at all times, both on and off duty. The law enforcement code of

ethics and the police code of conduct represent the basis for ethical behavior in

law enforcement. The same applies to educational leadership and correctional

education. However, these codes simply constitute words. For them to be

effective, leaders in these professions must not only believe in the codes but

also follow them and display conduct that supports them. Thus, these leaders

must live the code.

In an effort to dialogue across variousdisciplines, this collection of chapters

f‌ill a uniquegap in the knowledge base – the juncturebetween leadership,ethics,

corrections and law, and how public institutions/organizations understand,

practice, and engage in these concepts. These authors are dedicated leaders of

education,correctional education,and law enforcement. They work in a skilled

occupational groupwhose prime consideration constitutes providing a service

that benef‌its the public. Because they are professionals, ethics and ethical

conduct play an importantrole. Ethics and ethical standardsinvolve doing the

right thing, at the right time, in the right way, and for the right reason. As in

many professions, educators, corrections, and law enforcement off‌icers often

confuse and intersperseterms such as law, ethics, morals, values, and personal

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