by Nina Khanna, 2024–2025 Miss CEO Ambassador
In today’s dynamic business environment, success is about more than just financial profits. Stakeholders increasingly demand that companies operate with integrity, transparency, and responsibility. This evolving expectation raises an essential question: what does it mean to run an ethical business? While laws provide the boundaries for business conduct, ethics serve as the guiding principles rooted in values such as compliance, honesty, and fairness. Businesses can adopt various ethical frameworks to ensure their operations align with moral values, and programs like Miss CEO provide a pathway to instill these principles into leadership practices. Ethical frameworks serve as structured approaches to guide decision-making and behavior in organizations. Among the most prominent frameworks are utilitarianism, fairness, and deontology. Each offers unique insights into what it means to lead ethically, but when paired with leadership teachings like those from Miss CEO, businesses can create a comprehensive foundation for sustainable and responsible growth.
The utilitarian framework prioritizes achieving the greatest good for the greatest number. It encourages businesses to evaluate the outcomes of their actions, focusing on maximizing benefits and minimizing harm. For instance, a company might choose to adopt sustainable practices despite higher costs because the long-term environmental benefits and enhanced brand reputation outweigh the initial expense. However, utilitarianism poses challenges, such as accurately measuring benefits and harms or ensuring minority groups are not overlooked in the pursuit of majority benefits. To address these challenges, Miss CEO teaches leaders to think strategically and holistically, evaluating the ripple effects of their decisions on all stakeholders. By focusing on long-term sustainability and impact, leaders can ensure their decisions align with both ethical values and business objectives.
The fairness framework emphasizes equality, ensuring all individuals — customers and employees alike — are treated equitably. It is built on the idea that fairness does not necessarily mean providing identical opportunities but rather ensuring that resources are distributed based on individuals’ needs and circumstances. For example, a business might implement pay equity policies or provide mentorship programs for underrepresented groups. The challenge lies in defining fairness in complex situations and addressing disagreements about what constitutes equity. Miss CEO integrates this framework by promoting inclusive leadership. Participants are encouraged to recognize systemic inequities, create environments where diverse voices are heard, and actively work to provide equitable opportunities. This approach not only fosters fairness but also builds trust and engagement within the organization.
The deontological framework takes a rule-based approach, emphasizing the morality of actions themselves rather than their outcomes. According to this framework, certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of the consequences. For example, a company may refuse to engage in corrupt practices even if it would lead to increased profits. However, deontological ethics can create dilemmas when rigid adherence to rules conflicts with other responsibilities, such as balancing customer satisfaction with shareholder interests. Miss CEO equips leaders with the moral courage needed to navigate such dilemmas. By adhering to values-driven leadership, participants learn to stand firm in their ethical convictions, even when faced with difficult decisions.
Miss CEO’s teachings go beyond theoretical frameworks to cultivate ethical leadership. Participants are trained to combine strategy, fairness, and adherence to principles, fostering decision-making rooted in integrity and purpose. The program emphasizes confidence, collaborative thinking, and a commitment to inclusivity. Leaders inspired by Miss CEO are equipped to address ethical challenges proactively, ensuring that their actions build trust, sustainability, and resilience within their organizations.
Ultimately, adopting the right ethical framework depends on a company’s values and goals. The utilitarian framework focuses on long-term benefits and strategic growth, while the fairness framework ensures equity and inclusivity. Meanwhile, the deontological approach prioritizes adherence to moral principles regardless of outcomes. Together, these frameworks provide a roadmap for ethical decision-making.
By integrating these frameworks with the teachings of Miss CEO, businesses can create a culture of ethical leadership that prioritizes responsibility and sustainability. Ethical decision-making is not just a tool for compliance but a critical element of long-term success. Leaders who embrace this mindset can inspire their teams, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and drive meaningful change in the world. Through programs like Miss CEO, the future of leadership is one rooted in values, vision, and unwavering commitment to doing what is right.
About the author:
Nina Khanna is currently a sophomore at BASIS Independent Fremont. She is super excited to be a part of Miss CEO. After joining mentorship programs in school, she discovered my passion for empowering women and teaching others to become the best versions of themselves. Nina is looking forward to all the amazing things Miss CEO is going to do this year.
