WIRE HOME Civil Rights/Human Rights Design Clean Energy Food InfoComm Leadership Localization Planet/Public Health Materials/Resources Science Security Smarter Cities Tech Transportation
The week ending March 24, 2025
Community-Engaged Research Day at McMaster University
McMaster University hosted the “Community-Engaged Research Day: Building Capacity for Ethical and Effective Community-Engaged Research” on March 27 and 28. This workshop focused on “insider research,” where researchers study social groups or organizations they are part of. The event addressed challenges related to objectivity and role navigation, aiming to enhance ethical practices in community-based research.
ILCMA Summer Conference Registration Announcement
The Illinois City/County Management Association (ILCMA) announced the opening of registrations for its Summer Conference, themed “Leadership, Ethics, and Innovation.” The conference, scheduled for June 2025, will explore the intersection of ethical leadership and innovative practices in municipal management. Early registration is encouraged, with a deadline of May 28, 2025.
Cumulus Nantes 2025 Conference Call for Participation
L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique and the Cumulus Association issued a call for contributions for the Cumulus Nantes 2025 Conference, themed “Ethical Leadership: A New Frontier for Design.” The conference, set for June 3 to 7, 2025, in Nantes, France, seeks to explore how designers can lead ethically responsible innovations across various domains. The submission deadline for contributions was November 3, 2024.
Educational Initiatives:
- Resilient Leaders Academy Launch: Querencia Leadership Inc., a nonprofit organization, has introduced the Resilient Leaders Academy, a 12-week program aimed at equipping middle and high school students with skills in emotional regulation, ethical leadership, and real-world impact. The initiative seeks to prepare youth for the mental, emotional, and ethical challenges of the modern world.
Academic Programs:
- Provost’s Leadership Development Program Nominations: The Office of Faculty Affairs has announced a call for nominations for the 2025-26 Provost’s Leadership Development Program: Leading in Place cohort. This program embraces a broad view of academic leadership, from formal position-based roles to a more lateral view where leadership roles are available to everyone, sometimes referred to as leadership in place.
Community Events:
- Great Lakes Bay Region Activities: A variety of local events are scheduled in the Great Lakes Bay Region, Michigan, including history hikes, fiber arts guild meetings, and garden club presentations. These activities reflect ongoing community engagement and support for local initiatives.
03/21/25
Empowering Women in Sports Leadership:
- ‘She is Football Weekend’ by Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosted their inaugural ‘She is Football Weekend’ at Raymond James Stadium, attracting over 800 women. The event featured influential figures such as Buccaneers co-owner Darcie Glazer Kassewitz and NFL executive Dasha Smith, aiming to expand opportunities for women in the NFL. Activities included a summit with breakout sessions, a podcast recording, and participation from NFL players. This initiative aligns with the NFL’s broader commitment to inclusion, reflected in its increasing number of female coaches and the league-wide Women’s Forum.
Addressing Leadership Challenges in Public Services:
- Beaumont Fire Department’s Strategic Reforms: Following a no-confidence vote by the International Firefighters Association Local 399, citing ethical concerns and leadership issues, Beaumont city officials announced plans to implement new strategies to address these challenges. Despite skepticism from the union, firefighters have pledged to continue serving the community while hoping for meaningful changes in the department’s management.
Recognizing Ethical Leadership in Journalism:
- Kevin R. Armstrong Ethical Leadership Award: The University of Indianapolis announced that Oseye Boyd, Editor of Mirror Indy, will receive the 2025 Kevin R. Armstrong Ethical Leadership Award. The award ceremony and dialogue are scheduled for April 7, 2025, at the Schwitzer Student Center, underscoring the importance of ethical leadership in media.
Promoting Ethical Practices in Technology:
- SheSparks 2025 Conference: At the SheSparks 2025 conference in Bengaluru, women leaders convened to discuss measures to combat gender bias and ethical concerns in AI development. The panel titled “Superwomen in Supercomputing” addressed the need for ethical AI practices and inclusivity in technology, highlighting the role of ethical leadership in shaping the future of tech.
Advancing Ethical Leadership in Local Government:
- Cal-ICMA’s Strategic Initiatives: Dr. Peter Pirnejad, President of Cal-ICMA, outlined a forward-looking work plan focusing on governance enhancement, preparation for the 2026 ICMA Annual Conference in Long Beach, and improved communication and engagement. These initiatives aim to strengthen internal structures, ensure sustainability, and promote ethical leadership in local government.
03/19/25
ICCO World PR Report Highlights Ethical Leadership
The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) released its World PR Report 2024-2025, identifying ethical leadership as a key priority for the public relations industry. The report emphasizes the importance of ethical practices in navigating challenges such as AI adoption, reputation management, and geopolitical influences. It reflects insights from senior PR leaders worldwide, highlighting a global commitment to integrity in communications.
ICMA Seeks Member Feedback on Code of Ethics Revisions
The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) invited its members to provide feedback on proposed revisions to Tenets 8 and 10 of its Code of Ethics. This initiative aims to refine ethical guidelines, ensuring they remain relevant and effective in guiding public service professionals. Members were encouraged to participate in a survey open until March 19, 2025, reflecting ICMA’s commitment to collaborative ethical standard-setting.
03/18/25
Corporate Recognitions
- Leidos: For the eighth consecutive year, Leidos has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, reflecting its ongoing commitment to ethical business practices.
Individual Honors
- Derek Bryson Park: The Enterprise World Magazine recognized Derek Bryson Park, Principal of Wilmington Capital, as one of “The Most Visionary Leaders Leading the Financial Sector,” acknowledging his three-decade career marked by significant contributions to public service, global diplomacy, and the financial industry.
- Oseye Boyd: The University of Indianapolis announced that Oseye Boyd, Editor of Mirror Indy, will receive the 2025 Kevin R. Armstrong Ethical Leadership Award. This award honors Indiana residents who demonstrate a long-term commitment to strengthening the community through ethical leadership.
Educational Initiatives
- DECA Ethical Leadership Challenge: DECA, in partnership with MBA Research and supported by the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative High School Program, announced the winners of the 2024-2025 Ethical Leadership Challenge. High school teams were challenged to develop public service announcement videos describing the nature of ethics. The team “Build a Better Tomorrow” from Penta-Maumee High School, Ohio, secured the top prize of $2,500.
Upcoming Events
- Independent Medical Alliance Conference: Scheduled to take place in Atlanta, the 2025 Independent Medical Alliance Conference aims to address critical issues in medicine, policy, and scientific innovation. The conference features a powerful speaker lineup and is set to redefine health in a new era of healthcare leadership.
03/17/25
Emtrain Launches Leadership Culture Report at Transform Conference
Emtrain has introduced a new Leadership Culture Report at the Transform Conference, offering valuable insights for HR and talent leaders. The report, generated as a byproduct of the annual workforce respect and harassment prevention training campaign, aims to provide organizations with data-driven guidance to enhance ethical leadership and workplace culture.
Ethics Hearing Concludes for Former State Senate President
The ethics hearing concerning former state Senate president Jason Ellsworth has concluded, focusing on his contract dealings with a longtime business associate. The proceedings featured conflicting arguments about whether Ellsworth deliberately circumvented disclosure laws, highlighting the complexities involved in maintaining ethical standards in public office.
03/14/25
Insights on Ethical Leadership
A recent article discussed the benefits of intentional and ethical leadership, emphasizing how leaders who prioritize ethics cultivate trust, drive sustainable growth, and build strong workplace cultures that inspire loyalty among employees and customers.
Former Intel CEO to Address Ethical Innovation
Former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger is scheduled to speak on artificial intelligence and ethical innovation, exploring the ethical responsibilities of tech leaders in an AI-driven world, the intersection of faith and work, and strategies to equip the next generation to lead with integrity in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
03/13/25
Debate on Ethical Investment in Defense Industries
The ethics of investing in defense industries have become a focal point in the United Kingdom. Over 100 Labour MPs and peers have urged banks and fund managers to reconsider classifying defense investments as “unethical.” They argue that such investments are crucial for national security and should be integrated into Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks. This perspective challenges traditional views that often exclude defense sectors from ethical investment portfolios.
Concurrently, discussions have intensified regarding the morality of investing in weapons manufacturing. Some analysts suggest that defense stocks, once deemed “sin stocks,” may now align with ethical considerations under specific conditions, such as adhering to responsible policies and avoiding sales to oppressive regimes. This shift reflects a nuanced understanding of ethical leadership in investment decisions, balancing profit motives with societal responsibilities.
Leadership Accountability in Law Enforcement
In the Northern Territory of Australia, the Police Association has called for the resignation of Commissioner Michael Murphy. The demand stems from allegations of mishandling a conflict of interest, where Commissioner Murphy chaired a promotional panel that appointed a friend to an executive position while also acting as a referee. This incident has raised significant concerns about ethical standards and integrity within the police leadership, highlighting the critical importance of transparency and accountability in maintaining public trust.
Challenges in Arts Leadership and Censorship
The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester faced criticism following the cancellation of a production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” due to disputes over content referencing transgender rights and political issues. A subsequent review acknowledged organizational and leadership failures but denied acts of censorship. Arts unions have criticized the review for lacking deeper accountability, underscoring the complex role of ethical leadership in the arts, particularly concerning creative freedom and organizational integrity.
Corporate Purpose Amid Political Shifts
The evolving political landscape, particularly during the Trump era, has prompted corporations to reassess their commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Companies now face choices between aligning with shifting governmental policies, remaining neutral, or steadfastly upholding their foundational values. Advocates for ethical leadership emphasize the long-term benefits of adhering to corporate purpose, even amid external pressures, highlighting that purpose-driven companies tend to demonstrate resilience and sustained success.
03/11/25
Corporate Initiatives Promoting Circularity
- Brazilian Recycling Cooperatives Transforming Waste: In Brazil, cooperatives known as Catadores are collaborating with sustainable brand Veja to convert plastic waste into shoes. This initiative ensures transparency and supports workers’ livelihoods by offering fair prices, significantly higher than standard market rates. The process involves transforming PET plastic bottles into fabric for shoe linings, addressing both environmental sustainability and socio-economic improvement for waste workers.
Community-Led Circular Economy Projects
- Glenorchy’s ‘Treasure Trail’ Promoting Reuse: The Glenorchy council in Tasmania has launched the “Treasure Trail,” featuring nine op shops from Glenorchy to Claremont. This initiative aims to promote a circular economy and reduce waste by encouraging the reuse and repurposing of goods. It supports sustainable fashion, benefits disadvantaged individuals, encourages community volunteering, and offers unique and affordable shopping experiences.
Thought Leadership in Circular Economy
- Cynthia Reynolds’ Contributions: Canadian-Norwegian author and social entrepreneur Cynthia Reynolds has been recognized for her pioneering work in sustainable development and circular economic practices. Her book, “Diamond Economics: Tools for Defragmenting the Circular Economy for a Just Transition” (2025), introduces strategies to transform circular economic systems towards a sustainable future. As the convener of the Circular Economy Coalition, she leads efforts to accelerate the adoption of circular economy practices across 40 countries.
03/10/25
UK Pension Funds Uphold Exclusion of Defense Investments in ‘Ethical’ Portfolios
Major UK pension funds, including Nest and People’s Pension, are maintaining their stance on excluding defense investments from their ‘ethical’ fund options. This decision comes despite pressure from Labour MPs urging financial institutions to categorize defense investments as ‘ethical’ to support the UK’s domestic arms industry. The pension funds emphasize the importance of providing investors with choices that align with their ethical preferences, particularly for those who wish to avoid investing in armaments.
Northern Territory Police Association Calls for Commissioner’s Resignation
The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) has unanimously called for the resignation of Police Commissioner Michael Murphy. This follows Murphy’s admission of failing to manage a significant conflict of interest, where he chaired a promotion committee that appointed a friend to an executive position, provided personal references, and assisted with the candidate’s CV. The NTPA cites a breach of ethical standards and a loss of trust among its members as reasons for this demand.
Winchester Cathedral Dean Resigns Amid Leadership Review
The Very Reverend Catherine Ogle, Dean of Winchester Cathedral, has resigned following an investigation into allegations of bullying within the cathedral’s choir. The review highlighted significant failures in leadership, management, and communication, leading to dysfunction within the executive team and a culture of secrecy. Ogle’s resignation underscores the importance of accountability and ethical leadership within religious institutions.
03/07/25
Business Schools Embrace Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Business schools are increasingly integrating sustainability and social responsibility into their curricula, driven by student advocacy and global challenges:
- Student-Led Initiatives: At Cambridge Judge Business School, over 450 MBA students from 15 leading institutions pledged to reduce carbon emissions and incorporate sustainability into their careers. This movement reflects a growing demand for management education that addresses environmental and societal issues
- Curriculum Development: Institutions are expanding courses in sustainability and social entrepreneurship, collaborating on academic research, and adopting innovative teaching methods to emphasize responsible business practices.
Corporate Governance and Transparency in Australia
Australia’s corporate sector is focusing on enhancing transparency and ethical leadership:
- Governance Improvements: In 2024, significant progress was made in shareholder engagement, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns, and executive remuneration. However, the effective implementation of hybrid Annual General Meetings (AGMs) remains a challenge.
- Board Accountability: Emphasis is placed on board composition, independence, and diversity to ensure alignment with organizational goals and manageable responsibilities. Embedding ESG practices into operations is crucial to meet sustainability expectations and avoid greenwashing.
Ethical Organizational Change
New frameworks are emerging to guide ethical transformations within organizations:
- Transformation Assessment Model (TAM): Developed by David W. Miller, Ph.D., and Michael J. Thate, Ph.D., TAM serves as a tool for stakeholders to evaluate the authenticity of organizational changes. It advocates for a balanced approach that promotes genuine transformation and ethical rehabilitation, moving beyond punitive “cancel culture” practices.
AI’s Role in Promoting Gender Diversity in Leadership
- Reducing Bias: AI has the potential to eliminate entrenched gender biases in hiring and assessment processes, provided it is designed with ethical considerations and diverse perspectives.
- Enhancing Productivity: AI can boost productivity in lower-skilled roles, where women are predominantly employed, freeing them to focus on skill development and leadership activities. This technological advancement could level the playing field and facilitate women’s progression to leadership positions.
03/06/25
Business and Finance
- 03/06/25 Reevaluation of Defense Sector Investments: Over 100 UK Labour MPs and peers have urged banks and fund managers to reconsider classifying all defense sector investments as “unethical.” They argue that current Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria unjustly exclude defense companies, hindering technological advancement and economic growth. The group advocates for ESG frameworks that align with supporting national defense initiatives.
Corporate Leadership
- 03/06/25 PolyNovo’s Leadership Scrutiny: Australian medical device company PolyNovo is under scrutiny following allegations against Chair David Williams. An internal investigation recommended his temporary step-down, but he remains in position. The company has since engaged a workplace law firm to provide remedial training to its board, addressing concerns about leadership practices and workplace culture.
Media and Entertainment
- 03/06/25 Justin Baldoni’s Workplace Culture Criticized: Actor and director Justin Baldoni faces allegations from a former employee of promoting “toxic positivity” at Wayfarer Studios. The anonymous accuser claims Baldoni’s charitable initiatives and workplace demeanor were disingenuous, with undue emphasis on his Bahá’í faith within the professional setting. Baldoni and the studio have denied these allegations, emphasizing their commitment to a positive work environment.
Academic Leadership
- 03/06/25 Gonzaga University’s Presidential Insights: Celebrating 15 years as president, Thayne McCulloh reflects on his leadership journey at Gonzaga University. Initially uncertain about his readiness, McCulloh has navigated challenges by emphasizing ethical leadership and adaptability, guiding the institution through periods of change and growth.
Thought Leadership
- 03/06/25 Navigating Uncertainty with Ethical Leadership: Ann Skeet, senior director of leadership ethics at Santa Clara University’s Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, discusses the importance of empathy in leadership during uncertain times. She highlights how leaders can foster organizational cultures capable of adapting to rapid changes by integrating ethical considerations into decision-making processes.
Artificial Intelligence and Ethics
03/05/25 AI in Creative Industries: Discussions are ongoing about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in creative sectors. Industry leaders advocate for AI models that respect intellectual property rights and ensure fair compensation for content creators, emphasizing the need for ethical AI development.
03/05/25 AI Ethics in Business: Companies are increasingly focusing on incorporating ethical considerations into their AI strategies. This involves developing guidelines to ensure AI technologies are used responsibly, aligning with broader societal values and ethical standards.
Healthcare Ethics
03/05/25 Data Breach Response: The recent Change Healthcare data breach has prompted discussions on ethical obligations to patients and data owners. Upcoming symposiums aim to address these challenges, focusing on equitable and ethical responses to such incidents.
03/04/25 Kroger CEO Resigns Amid Ethical Investigation
Rodney McMullen, CEO of Kroger, has resigned following an internal investigation into his personal conduct, which reportedly violated the company’s “Policy on Business Ethics.” Ronald “Ron” Sargent, the Lead Director, has been appointed as interim CEO and Chairman of the Board. Specific details regarding McMullen’s conduct have not been disclosed, but Kroger emphasized that it was unrelated to the company’s financial performance or operations.
03/04/25 Yale University Prioritizes Ethical AI Initiatives
Yale University has announced plans to make artificial intelligence an academic and financial priority, with a focus on ethics and wider access. Provost Scott Strobel highlighted a substantial commitment to acquiring GPUs to enhance computing power for faculty and students, reflecting the university’s dedication to ethical leadership in technological advancements.
03/04/25 Ethical Leadership in Uncertain Times
A recent discussion at Santa Clara University emphasized the importance of empathy and developing healthy organizational cultures as key components of ethical leadership. The conversation covered characteristics of ethical leadership and strategies for leaders to encourage ethical practices within their organizations, especially in the context of technological advancements like artificial intelligence.
03/04/25 Gonzaga University’s Perspective on Ethical Leadership
Gonzaga University President Thayne McCulloh highlighted the significance of acknowledging and taking responsibility for organizational decisions, both positive and negative. He emphasized that ethical leadership involves recognizing the unique context of the institution’s Catholic and Jesuit mission, reinforcing the commitment to ethical decision-making.
03/04/25 Penn State Workshop on Ethics Education
Penn State University hosted a virtual workshop titled “Enhancing Ethics Education and Assessment in Graduate Programs,” focusing on innovative approaches to ethics education and assessment. The session aimed to provide practical strategies and collaborative insights to strengthen ethical decision-making initiatives in graduate programs
03/03/25 Queensland Police Service Whistleblower Investigation
The Queensland Police Service’s Ethical Standards Command is investigating officers who allegedly leaked an internal training directive to the media. The directive controversially categorized media personnel alongside criminal organizations in the Declarable Associations Policy. Despite political criticism, Police Minister Dan Purdie has refrained from intervening in the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the importance of internal processes.
03/03/25 Emphasis on Sustainable Skill Sets in Business Leadership
Businesses are increasingly prioritizing sustainability alongside profitability, recognizing the importance of expert leadership in navigating today’s social, environmental, and economic challenges. Griffith University’s MBA program, renowned for its emphasis on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, has been ranked as the leading sustainable MBA globally for four consecutive years. This program attracts leaders dedicated to ethical practices and sustainable business strategies. citeturn0news16
03/03/25 Ethical Frameworks for Organizational Change
In an era marked by shifting markets and heightened social scrutiny, the need for ethical guidance in organizational change is critical. Experts David W. Miller, Ph.D., and Michael J. Thate, Ph.D., present a Transformation Assessment Model (TAM) to help organizations and stakeholders assess genuine change. The paper criticizes the current cancel culture for being counterproductive and advocates for more balanced methods of addressing past harms while encouraging authentic transformation and redemption practices.
