Theories, Practices, and Ethics of Leadership Assignment - 1

Theories, Practices, and Ethics of Leadership - Assignment Example 2. Some of the behavioural patterns, characteristics and shadows which fuel evil include our own individual insecurities. These insecurities are normally caused by the ignorance of our cultures and the cultures of other people. These insecurities may also be due to lifestyles, whereby people engage in evil activities in order to live in a certain way. The human need for respect and recognition may also push some people to be insecure and thus engage in evil activities to satisfy these needs. Insecurities may also be caused by low esteem. Some people normally do evil things in order to feel satisfied and boost their self-esteem. The need for power and strength also fuels evil. This may come in the form of oppression and suppression on the basis of race, religion, financial power, political affiliation, gender and job opportunities. For example, one might result in the oppression of a minority race in order to strengthen himself politically or financially. Acts of deceit and defensiveness may also fuel evil. The evil that may stem from deceit or defensiveness includes refusal to listen to feedback or other people’s views, anger, pessimism and blaming others for things they are not responsible for (Baumeister, 2001). 3. a) Dreadful pleasure: this is when someone knowingly and enjoyably inflicts pain or suffering on another person in order to hide one’s fear. For example, one might have a fear of being vulnerable, so he does things to make other people live in fear. b) Deception: this is when one becomes absorbed with himself and makes himself look like he is without any faults. These self-righteous people are very conscious of their personal appearances and will attack anyone who discovers their dark side. For example, one might pretend to be God-fearing and holy, but deep inside he is not as righteous as he wants to look. He may pretend to do good things when in the company of other people but turn to evil deeds when no one is watching.