ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING AND LEADERSHIP ROLE IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE FOR ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE NIGERIA

Abstract

The rapid changes experienced in the business environment in Nigeria has imposed a serious threat for the survival of business organisations. Which has made organisations adopt various strategies for their survival. These strategies includes both morally and non-morally acceptable practices which has raised a question about the morality of leaders and organisations reputation. This study examine ethical decision making and leadership role in corporate governance for organisational performance in Nigeria. Ethical decision making in an organisation is an important process, as it requires careful assessment and analysis of all possible alternatives or options, that are within the purview of corporate executives at all levels in the organisation to carry out this task. The study adopted qualitative research methodology, which relied on secondary source of data to arrive at its conclusion. The gap identified in the study is that leaders despite having knowledge of ethical practices still engage in unethical and unacceptable practices. The study examined the dimensions of ethical decision-making, the steps involved, theoretical review of the concept of consequentialism, and empirical review. The study concluded that mitigating unethical practices requires a collaboration of the private and public sectors in Nigeria, strengthening governance structures, accountability/ transparency, and sanctions for defaulters.