Why Ethics? Towards Understanding the Ethical Practices of Academic Program Heads

The purpose of the study is to determine the ethical practices applied by academic program heads and their implication to academic development of the university.It further aims to explore the significance of ethical practices in the development of the academe and how academic program heads practice ethics in order to enhance the program of the institution.The study was conducted using a qualitative, case study research design.The participants were selected purposively, and out of 22 academic program heads, only 13 were able to participate due to conflict with their schedule and academic related operations.The data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and field notes.All thirteen academic program heads demonstrate a strong commitment to perceive and interpret reality within the context of honesty and openness.Next, they are able to create reality by continually reaffirming the ideals and beliefs of their respective organizations.They are also particularly concerned on how their decisions affect other people.In fact, the participants recognize that midlevel decision-making have also great impact in which can affect its colleagues.From the perspective of personality, program heads possess an exceptionally strong motivation and are emotionally strong, courageous, and fair in treating all co-workers and students justly with temperance.Finally, it was revealed that academic program heads value their moral commitment which is rooted on their religious faith and beliefs; hence, it directs their decisionmaking management.