Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Leadership: Casting Light or Shadow

by Craig E. Johnson

Ethics is at the heart of leadership. Leaders must make every effort to make ethical decisions and foster ethical behavior among followers. The Eighth Edition of  Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Casting Light or Shadow  explores the ethical demands of leadership and the dark side of leadership. Bestselling author Craig E. Johnson takes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from many fields of research to help readers make ethical decisions, lead with integrity, and create an ethical culture. Packed with dozens of real-world case studies, examples, self-assessments, and applications, this fully-updated new edition is designed to increase students’ ethical competence and leadership abilities.

Genres: Leadership, Nonfiction, Education, Textbooks, Academic, School, Business

580 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 20, 2001

Reviews

[Christine Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and well-organized. Good textbook. Will keep for referencing when needed in the future.

[Jess Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Leadership: Casting Light or Shadow" by Craig E. Johnson, in its seventh edition, is a pivotal work that I encountered as part of the Executive Leadership Institute, a program for rising presidents through the League for Innovation. As an aspiring leader in higher education, I found this book to be profoundly impactful, resonating with the depth of ethical considerations inherent in leadership roles. Johnson, a distinguished figure from George Fox University, USA, compiles a comprehensive exploration of leadership ethics, making a compelling case for its necessity as core reading in higher education administration and leadership.

Johnson's book is an extensive treatise on the ethical dimensions of leadership. It examines the duality of leadership roles - the potential for both significant benefit and substantial harm. Johnson asserts that ethics lies at the heart of leadership, emphasizing the moral responsibilities that accompany leadership positions. The book's interdisciplinary approach offers insights into ethical decision-making, the influence of leaders and followers, and the creation of an ethical culture. This wide-ranging exploration covers various aspects, from combating evil and ethical decision-making to crisis leadership, making it an all-encompassing resource.

The book's credibility is anchored in its sound research and comprehensive coverage of ethical leadership. Each chapter begins with clear objectives and outcomes, followed by pertinent examples and case studies, enhancing the learning experience. Particularly impactful are the self-assessments and team assessments included, which encourage introspection and application of the concepts discussed. The relevance of this book to real-world scenarios is further highlighted in the final chapter, which echoes the principles of ethical crisis leadership I learned from Michael Hyatt, underscoring the value of ethical leadership in turbulent times.

​While the book is an invaluable resource, its format as a textbook might limit its accessibility. The dense, academic style may not appeal to casual readers, and its cost could be prohibitive for some. Additionally, the content, while enlightening, can be uncomfortably revealing and somewhat disheartening, as it uncovers the prevalence of unethical practices in leadership. This revelation was particularly striking to me, as it contrasted with my intrinsic belief in authenticity and ethical conduct in professional settings.

"Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Leadership" is a book I rate highly - five out of five stars on Goodreads. Its comprehensive examination of ethical leadership is not just academic but practically essential. I recommend it as foundational reading for anyone stepping into leadership, especially in higher education or faculty roles. The insights and frameworks it provides are invaluable for navigating the complex ethical landscapes of leadership, making it a critical resource for aspiring and current leaders alike.

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[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well written textbook that was used as part of an eight class leadership series in progress for my degree. The text is interesting and organized in a manner that is easy to follow and use for real life experiences. I found the suggested film and other additional reference recommendations very useful and actually sought out many of them. The professor showed suggested film clips of some in class.

[Makani Speier-Brito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful and informative on the different leadership styles. I enjoyed reading the examples of careers that fit various lifestyles. It is an in-depth look into how to be a fantastic leader with case studies to provide real world examples. I did find some of the sections to be nationalistic and Eurocentric. Overall it’s an essential guide for anyone looking to improve their leadership and to examine any blind spots that may occur in challenging ethical situations.

[Morgan Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many points made throughout the textbook were centered around not being biased, however I did not see this mentality play out in the writing itself. I will compliment this piece in the sense that it is the first textbook I have been able to sit and read for pleasure. I have learned a lot from "Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Leadership" that I hope I will be able to transfer in the workplace.

[Lori Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of my degree program for a Master's in Public Policy and Administration, I found this book easy to read, with a significant number of real-world examples and case-studies of how ethical decisions impact our lives. It also contains a number of self-assessments, diving into how YOU see your self, and others, based on your interactions and behaviors.

[Lucas Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of the same type of writing and content to the Northouse book, but with a greater focus on leadership ethics. Far less engaging, but Johnson did credit C.S. Lewis with his conception of corruptive evil as a series of incremental choices.

[Heidi Goehmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of ethics and leading organizations with an ethical foundation and framework. The case studies were super interesting, the language overall held my interest and was well organized. A bit assumptive at times, with attention to bias and also bias.

[Kristina Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent text book for a class on Ethical Leadership.

[Melissa Kuehnle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great Survey on leadership for those pursuing a greater role.

[Wesley Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was required reading for a college course, however, it was enjoyable to learn the basic concepts and functions of ethical decision-making across leadership scenarios.

[mikayla💛]

textbook for mgt😚

[lexi · Rating 3 out of 5]

for school - honest to god this was my bible for three and a half months.

[Michael Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The thing is: This book is a textbook. It is printed in 10pt, in a funny font with serifs on it and is 380 pages long. Quite a weighty tome. The author is an emeritus professor at George Fox University in Oregon, and this book is the textbook for a doctoral course in ethics. As such it is a comprehensive review of all of the latest theories of ethics and leadership. Whilst the author may have run a university department or a church home group, I doubt that he has run a major public company or a military corps in a theatre of battle. Perhaps I was expecting too much, it is a useful theoretical background which should not be dismissed. I liked the bit about casting light or shadow. That seemed a useful insight.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

ILL ISBN 0761923977 2001 Sage Pub

from the Worldcat computer:
TOC
Pt. I.; Shadow Side of Leadership
1.; Leader's Light or Shadow
2.; Shadow Casters

Pt. II.; Looking Inward
3.; Leader's Character
4.; Combating Evil

Pt. III.; Ethical Standards and Strategies --;
5.; General Ethical Perspectives --;
6.; Normative Leadership Theories --;
7.; Ethical Decision-Making Formats --;

Pt. IV.; Shaping Ethical Contexts --;
8.; Building an Effective, Ethical Small Group --;
9.; Creating an Ethical Organizational Climate --;
10.; Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Cultural Diversity.

[Jeffrey Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Johnson's text is a good introduction to the topic. The case studies were helpful to illustrate the concepts in each chapter. I felt that he overused definitions, however. Each chapter brought out a host of new definitions and by the end of the book it was difficult to keep them all straight. He over-used his main theme - casting light or shadow, which bordered on the ridiculous by the end of the book. It was a great theme to introduce but got old rather quickly. Still, it is better than some of the other ethics books that I've read which were heavy on theory and light on practical application. At least in this regard, Johnson got it right with a balance between theory and application.

[Dody]

Great book; truly reminds us of all those "little" things we should know and be aware of! Since I believe each of us has the utmost responsibility to live ethically for the betterment of all mankind! The Golden Rule ... Honesty, Kindness, Honor ... qualities that shine brightest! Someone can take your life, but no one can take your ethics and morals, those can only be given away ... This little refresher book is a great office desk companion!

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Johnson's text is a suitable introduction to a variety of normative ethical perspectives. As a student with only a working (i.e., non-taught) knowledge of ethics, it was a helpful book. Johnson's use of case studies and movie examples are helpful for contextualizing ethical challenges and make the book feel fresh and appropriate in today's world. The central metaphor - casting light or shadow - is over-used by the end of book, but effective at demonstrating the author's proposition.

[Dr. Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I especially liked Parts III-IV for their emphasis on strategies and shaping ethical cultures. I appreciated the implication for reflective learning in Part II, or looking inward and developing one's ethos. I liked also the shadow/light metaphor. A decent primer.

[Carey]

For Ethics class in Doctoral Program

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more than just an interesting philosophical read. It's practical and useful with many exercises and anecdotes nearly anyone can relate to.

[Vincent Darlage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad overview of dark leadership and ethics.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid book for the subject matter. The somewhat dry writing style is broken up with interesting case studies that illustrate the particular area of discussion.

[Jenn Lambert · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was the book I had to read for my Ethics class, I had rented it, it's very good. considering adding it to my book shelf.

[Zäkämäkätäkämäkä · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent overview of the application between ethics and leadership. I am looking forward to reading some of the other books mentioned in the text.

[Brian · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was terrible. The author is terrible. This book has no business being used for a business ethics course.

[NAOMI POINDEXTER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used in Ethical Leadership with Dr. Harris

[Brandon Mimick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great thought-provoking ideas within the book. Loved that it was current as well.