my
learning
journey
ruth pearce | indiana university
ruth pearce | indiana university
Course: OLS 26300 – Ethical Decisions in Leadership
Role: Student | Spring 2024
This assignment challenged me to define my personal mission and translate ethical principles into actionable goals. Through developing my Personal Ethics Action Plan, I examined how values like integrity, equity, and compassion shape leadership decisions. I also explored real-world ethical dilemmas—from corporate accountability to diversity and inclusion—and reflected on how ethical lapses can erode trust and culture.
Writing this paper helped me clarify what ethical leadership looks like in practice: self-awareness, consistency, and the courage to act with fairness even when it’s difficult. It strengthened my commitment to the COLS outcome Identify how ethical issues influence organizational activities and decisions and aligns with the IU Indianapolis Profile of a Community Contributor, as it reflects the responsibility leaders hold in fostering ethical workplaces and inclusive communities.
This process reminded me that leadership begins with integrity—and that ethics isn’t theoretical; it’s lived daily in the choices we make.
Personal Ethics Action Plan assignment