The Critical Role Of Ethical Leadership In Enhancing Accessibility
Although it has recently become a buzzword, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are essential to modern leadership. DEI dates back to the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Initially, “diversity” meant including people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. Today, that definition has expanded to include anyone who has accessibility needs, including those who need physical accommodations to do their jobs safely and effectively.
Most people (56%) view a focus on DEI as a good thing, according to a recent survey from the Pew Research Center. But there is still some room for improvement. The same study found that 61% of employees say their workplace has fair and diverse hiring practices, and 52% have regular DEI training. Many leaders want to improve accessibility for their employees but may be unsure where to start or how to make changes. Those leaders may benefit from focusing on ethical leadership, which will have a ripple effect on inclusivity and accessibility.
Understanding Ethical Leadership
Ethical leadership involves guiding a group or organization based on recognized ethical principles, such as fairness, accountability, and respect for others. “It is making professional and personal decisions using moral principles, boiled down to the simple phrase, ‘ethics over ease,’” explains Albert Katz, Co-Founder of Flagler Health, a healthcare analytics company. Ethical leadership requires one to actively champion these principles through decision-making processes and ingraining them within the organizational culture. Ethical leaders prioritize the well-being of all stakeholders. They ensure that their policies and practices are inclusive, non-discriminatory, and supportive of a merit-based environment.
At the heart of ethical leadership lies the commitment to accessibility. This includes physical accessibility, such as wheelchair ramps or braille signage, and extends to digital accessibility, economic accessibility, and social inclusiveness. Ethical leaders recognize that true accessibility removes barriers that hinder participation and equality of opportunity, thereby promoting a more equitable society.
The recent surge in remote work has made the workforce more accessible for many people who may have conditions or disabilities that prevent them from working a traditional 9–5 office job. “When office spaces are designed for a generic worker, they fail to meet the particular needs of individuals, especially those with disabilities. Remote work creates new opportunities for people to tailor workspaces to their unique situations,” says Jeffrey Howard of Inclusion Hub. Accessibility also extends into everyday life, including healthcare. “Virtual health systems make healthcare more accessible and affordable for people, ensuring they can access the healthcare they need without worrying about economic or other barriers,” adds Katz.
Benefits Of Ethical Leadership In Accessibility
“There is an inevitable gap between what we humans espouse and what we actually do. The same is true for CEOs and their companies,” explains Michael Beer in The Harvard Business Review. So, leaders need to make a proactive effort to lead ethically. In addition to helping them live their personal code of ethics, enhancing accessibility through ethical leadership yields numerous benefits.
First, it increases the talent pool from which organizations can draw. Diverse teams bring varied perspectives that can lead to innovative solutions and improved problem-solving capabilities. Furthermore, accessibility improvements often lead to better usability for all users, not just those with specific needs, exemplifying the principle of universal design. Second, organizations led by ethical leaders tend to have better reputations. Consumers are increasingly favoring companies that demonstrate social responsibility, including a commitment to accessibility, with 70% saying they want to know what brands are doing to improve society and the economy, according to a recent survey. So, ethical leadership can lead to increased customer loyalty and potentially higher profits.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, promoting accessibility contributes to social equity. “By removing barriers and ensuring more people can participate fully in every aspect of society, from going to work to getting healthcare, buying groceries, and enjoying time with their families, leaders help level the playing field, which is crucial for building fair and just communities,” says Katz.
We deserve to live in an accessible world, but it won’t happen overnight. The role of ethical leadership in enhancing accessibility is critical. By advocating for and implementing inclusive practices, leaders can significantly impact the lives of individuals, fostering a more equitable and inclusive society. The path to enhanced accessibility is a continuous journey, but with committed, ethical leadership, it is one that all organizations can undertake.
