The Golden Mean applies to leadership in checking excessive and defective practices of leaders in contemporary society. There has always been a problem of leaders making unethical decisions to benefit themselves, their families, and friends at the expense of others in most African countries. This is evident in how leaders handle and use power to marginalize others.
From the principle of the Golden Mean theory, it is easy to identify the unethical decision-making that comes with little or no moderation of power.
Upon a closer investigation, I found the most evident correlation in the fundamental reality, remarked by Lord Acton, that “power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
Therefore, the abuse of power is an outcome of either power shortage or overuse of power, which are vices of deficiency and excess.
» MORE: Getting IT Right: The Golden Mean in Contemporary Society
In contemporary society, people commonly reference the quote to warn against the abuses of unchecked power, especially in the context of politics and leadership. Furthermore, it seems that the more power one has, their sense of morality weakens, leading to unethical decision-making. On the other hand, moderation in the use of power demonstrates Virtue and excellence.
Furthermore, in my opinion, the Golden Mean concept relates to justice, fairness, and equality. For example, from the symbol of justice, the two sides are balanced to reach a happy end. And in contemporary society, an action is just when an individual or organization maintains the equilibrium, thereby not allowing one side to outweigh the other. Thus, at the center lies the Golden Mean.
Conclusion
As morality declines in contemporary society, individuals, groups, and organizations tend to make unethical decisions when faced with ethical dilemmas. Ethics generally study moral principles, behaviors, and activities to improve the moral lives of people in society.
» MORE: Detailed Examples of the Golden Mean of Aristotle
Similarly, Virtue Ethics is normative and focuses on the character of the individuals in relation to their day-to-day activities.
Aristotle is one of the prominent philosophers who contributed heavily to Virtue Ethics through his concept of the Golden Mean in his work, the Nicomachean Ethics.
The Golden Mean theory is the ethics of moderation and a moral compass to avoid excessive and defective practices while striking a balance to maintain the Mean in reaching a happy end, which Aristotle refers to as the telos.
» MORE: Golden Mean in Journalism (Media Ethics)
Therefore, the Golden Mean suggests that we act in moderation in relation to others, at the right time, with the right motive, given the situation.
Finally, the Golden Mean theory applies to a wide range of sectors, such as business ethics, media ethics, and leadership.
