Corporate leadership training
Ethical Leadership Training Course in Austria
Prepare your leaders to apply honesty, integrity and accountability to today’s complex decisions, reduce the risk of legal and ethical violations and build an ethical culture that strengthens trust, engagement and your organisation’s reputation, through practical, hands-on training.
- In-person, virtual
or blended - Customised for
your organisation - Delivered worldwide,
including Austria - For executives, managers
and public sector leaders
Course overview
What Is Ethical Leadership?
Ethical leadership is the practice of bringing honesty, integrity and accountability to every decision and relationship, and creating a culture where colleagues follow suit. The course covers what this requires: ethical theories and decision frameworks, handling dilemmas and competing loyalties, conflict resolution rooted in fairness and justice, ethical risk assessment, and the policies and controls behind good conduct.
Engaging discussions, interactive workshops and real-life case studies give participants a supportive group of peers in which to test their judgement on the kind of ethical challenges leaders in Austria handle.
Designed for CEOs, managers, government officials, educators and nonprofit leaders in Austria, the course brings together the lasting values of honesty, integrity and accountability and the modern complexities of leadership, helping organisations build ethical cultures that earn the trust of colleagues, customers and the wider community.
Why it matters
Why Ethical Leadership Matters in Austria
Organisations in Austria depend on the trust of colleagues, customers, suppliers and the wider community. Leaders who act transparently and resolve issues fairly protect that trust and lower the risk of legal and ethical violations.
Trust is hard-won
Colleagues, customers and suppliers stay loyal to leaders whose word can be relied on.
Dilemmas are rarely clear-cut
Modern leadership brings decisions where several reasonable interests collide.
Fairness shapes outcomes
Decisions rooted in fairness and justice protect employees and the organisation’s brand.
Integrity builds the future
Leaders of integrity help Austria’s organisations succeed over the long term.
The Knowles leadership approach
From Insight to Impact
The course gives participants six steps for working through an ethical decision, starting from the values involved and finishing with accountability for the result, a habit they can apply on their own or bring to team discussions.
Ethical leadership in action
- 1. ValuesWhat do we stand for?
- 2. FactsWhat are the facts?
- 3. ImpactWho is affected, and how?
- 4. OptionsWhat are the real choices?
- 5. ScrutinyCould we defend it?
- 6. OwnershipDid we live up to it?
Key benefits
Why Organisations Choose This Course
This programme helps your leaders and your organisation to:
Greater Trust
Increase credibility among colleagues, customers and suppliers.
Lower Ethical Risk
Reduce the risk of legal and ethical violations through early action.
Fairer Decisions
Settle issues in a way rooted in fairness and justice.
Clear Standards
Define values and policies that make good conduct clear.
Higher Morale
Improve engagement and retention through an ethical work environment.
A Stronger Reputation
Enhance the organisation’s reputation and brand image through consistent ethical practice.
Have questions about this course?
Our team is happy to help. Send us a message and we will get back to you within one business day.
Course curriculum
A practical and structured learning journey.
Twelve units in three stages progress from personal values and ethical theories, through risk assessment, fair conflict resolution and competing loyalties, to the policies, controls and continuous improvement that keep an organisation’s culture ethical.
- Unit 1
Personal Values
- Define the personal values you want to lead by.
- Check those values against the values your organisation states.
- Reflect on how closely your conduct matches your values.
- Unit 2
Core Principles
- Explore honesty, integrity and accountability in modern leadership.
- Look past legal minimums to what is right.
- Practise honest, authentic communication every day.
- Unit 3
Ethical Frameworks
- Explore the main ethical theories and frameworks.
- Apply them to real-life case studies.
- Pick the framework suited to a complex situation.
- Unit 4
Recognising Dilemmas
- Identify the ethical dimension of business decisions.
- See how pressure and habit can lead to misconduct.
- Discuss real-life dilemmas leaders have faced.
- Unit 5
Conflicts of Interest
- Distinguish real, possible and perceived conflicts.
- Declare interests early and agree how to manage them.
- Handle supplier hospitality and gifts properly.
- Unit 6
Weighing Interests
- Consider customers, suppliers, staff and the community in each decision.
- Weigh short-term targets against long-term success.
- Favour outcomes that serve the community at large.
- Unit 7
Fairness and Justice
- Treat everyone by the same standards.
- Settle disputes through a fair, impartial process.
- Communicate the rationale for tough calls honestly.
- Unit 8
Moral Courage
- Speak out against misconduct, even when it is awkward.
- Decline requests that would break legal or ethical lines.
- Back colleagues who come forward with concerns.
- Unit 9
Setting Standards
- Set out values and ethical standards in writing.
- Make expectations for conduct clear to all staff.
- Discuss grey areas with your team in advance.
- Unit 10
Leading by Example
- Model the ethical behaviour you want to see.
- Acknowledge mistakes and correct them visibly.
- Recognise and reward ethical conduct.
- Unit 11
Compliance Systems
- Carry out ethical risk assessments.
- Implement compliance programmes and controls.
- Provide safe ways for staff to report concerns.
- Unit 12
Accountability
- Answer for your conduct and expect others to as well.
- Respond to misconduct firmly and fairly.
- Set ethical goals and track your progress.
Course agenda
Two-day course agenda.
A sample agenda showing how the two days run, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The final agenda is agreed with you.
Welcome, objectives and introductions
Personal values
Morning break
Core ethical principles
Lunch
Ethical frameworks
Recognising dilemmas
Afternoon break
Conflicts of interest
Day one reflection
Close
Recap and goals for the day
Weighing interests
Morning break
Fairness and moral courage
Lunch
Setting standards
Leading by example
Afternoon break
Systems, compliance and accountability
Personal ethics action plan
Close
Participant resources
What participants receive.
A practical set of resources to support learning during the course and application afterwards.
Course Workbook
Content, summaries and activities for every unit.
Templates and Worksheets
Ready-to-use tools to apply learning at work.
Action Plan Template
Turn learning into clear next steps.
Job Aids and Quick Guides
Key models, checklists and frameworks for daily use.
Digital Resources
Additional materials to revisit after the course.
Certificate of Completion
Recognition of the training completed.
Practical application
From theory to real workplace impact.
Participants apply the concepts through experiential learning: assessing ethical risks in realistic cases, mediating competing positions and defending their decisions to peers, in exercises that reflect the complexities leaders in Austria face.
Dilemma Simulations
Resolve an ambiguous case and justify the course you choose.
Conflict Checks
Review a supplier scenario for hidden interests and decide how to manage them.
Speak-Up Drills
Practise raising an ethical concern with a senior manager.
Code Workshop
Draft standards of conduct for one department.
Who should attend
Designed for leaders who set the tone.
This course suits CEOs, managers, government officials, educators and nonprofit leaders, and leaders from many other fields, who share a commitment to integrity, from those shaping an organisation’s culture to those building their first ethical habits.
- ExecutivesLead the organisation’s culture by example.
- Team LeadersResolve everyday dilemmas with fairness.
- Public OfficialsServe citizens with openness and impartiality.
- NGO LeadersStay accountable to the funders and people they serve.
- EntrepreneursBuild customer and supplier trust from the start.
- Emerging LeadersForm ethical habits at the outset.
Course format and delivery
Flexible options to suit your organisation.
Choose the format and duration that fit your schedule and learning needs, whether at your workplace in Austria, online or a mix of both.
In-Person Training
Delivered at your organisation in Austria or at a suitable venue.
Virtual Training
Interactive, engaging live online delivery.
Blended Learning
A combination of in-person and virtual sessions.
Customised Training
Tailor case studies, organisation focus, delivery mode, modules and duration. Explore Customized Training
- Typical Duration2 Full Days9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also available as a 1-day, half-day, 90-minute or 60-minute session.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites and experience level.
No prior experience is required. The course suits leaders at every level and works well for mixed groups.
No formal prerequisites
Open to anyone who wants to lead with integrity.
All experience levels
From emerging leaders to senior executives.
Designed for mixed groups
Different roles bring different views of the same dilemma.
Ready for honest debate
Come ready to examine hard choices openly and respectfully.
Course framework
A structured approach to developing leaders.
Our framework leads participants through a learning cycle of understanding ethical theories, testing them on real-life cases, reflecting with peers on their own choices and applying the results in their organisation.
Practical and Actionable
Frameworks and checklists participants can use on real decisions.
Relevant to Austria
Shaped by the ethical issues organisations in Austria face.
Honest Reflection
Reflection on your values, purpose and blind spots.
The ethical leadership cycle
- 1. LearnCore leadership principles
- 2. ExploreCase studies and discussion
- 3. PractiseRole-plays and simulations
- 4. ReflectSelf-assessment and journaling
- 5. ApplyReal-world projects
- 6. GrowMentoring and peer support
Key learning outcomes
From knowledge to lasting leadership impact.
By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:
- 01
Lead from values
State the values you lead by and act on them consistently.
- 02
Spot ethical risks
Assess ethical and legal risks, dilemmas and conflicts before they escalate.
- 03
Decide on principle
Use an ethical framework to compare options and reach a defensible choice.
- 04
Speak up
Challenge misconduct and raise concerns confidently.
- 05
Set clear standards
Make expectations explicit and enforce them fairly.
- 06
Build a culture of trust
Lead by example so ethical conduct becomes normal.
Trust is built slowly through many honest decisions, and can be lost through a single dishonest one.
Example exercises and tools
Learn by doing.
Practical exercises, checklists and real-life scenarios help participants identify ethical risk, analyse it and act with integrity and courage.
Real-life case studies and interactive workshops put participants in situations leaders in Austria may meet, from a long-standing supplier offering hospitality during a contract review to a misconduct report about a high performer. They run a quick ethical risk assessment, mediate the competing positions with fairness and impartiality and leave with tools to use in their own organisation straight away.
Values Card Sort
Rank your values and test them against a demanding case.
Decision Tree
Map the options in a dilemma and where each one leads.
Front-Page Test
Ask whether customers or the press would accept the decision.
Speak-Up Script
Prepare how you will raise a concern calmly.
Assessment
Assessment and learning progress.
A mix of steps before, during and after the programme keeps learning relevant and turns it into action.
Before the training
Share your goals and team context.
Agree the objectives and focus areas.
Confirm the format, timing and group.
During the training
Role-plays, simulations and practical exercises.
Feedback from experienced leaders as skills develop.
Group discussion and reflection.
After the training
A personal action plan for the workplace.
Self-assessment and guided journaling to track progress.
Ongoing learning through peers, mentors and the alumni network.
Workplace application
Relevant to your context.
Participants take the frameworks into real workplace decisions across Austria, from a team leader’s routine calls to the policies and controls that govern an entire company.
- ProcurementChoose suppliers fairly and openly.
- Hiring and PromotionRecruit and promote on merit.
- Conflicts of InterestDeclare and manage divided loyalties.
- Team ConductKeep conduct consistent day to day.
- Raising ConcernsReport concerns and respond fairly.
- Policy and GovernanceBuild ethics into policies and controls.
Let’s discuss your requirements
Request a Customised Leadership Programme.
Talk to our team about how this course can be tailored for your organisation in Austria or other locations worldwide.
- Share your priorities
- Receive a tailored proposal
- Explore delivery options
Adapting for Austria
Adapting the programme for Austrian organisations.
We tailor the course so it reflects your people, your sector and the context you work in.
Local case studies
Examples and case studies drawn from leaders in Austria.
Cultural awareness
Content that respects cultural nuances and builds inclusive environments.
Community focus
Projects that address real local and community issues.
Industry and organisation focus
Examples, terminology and scenarios from your sector.
Delivery worldwide
Flexible delivery across Austria and worldwide.
We deliver this programme in Austria and in other locations worldwide, with flexible formats and options to suit your organisation.
- In-person
- Virtual
- Blended
At Your Workplace
In-house sessions at your office in Austria.
A Venue You Choose
Delivered at a training venue that suits your team.
Live Online
Interactive virtual sessions wherever your people are.
Across Countries
Programmes coordinated across several locations worldwide.
Client experiences
What our participants say.
Word-for-word feedback from participants at organisations in Singapore. Read all reviews
Yes, because it helped me learn the basics of critical thinking to generate new ideas, analyze articles, and make arguments.
The most useful aspects were learning about active listening, empathy, and adopting a growth mindset. The case studies and brainstorming sessions provided practical ideas for managing remote and hybrid teams, building rapport, and leading effectively.
Yes definitely. Gaining a deep understanding of structured mentoring models is incredibly beneficial for anyone stepping into a leadership role.
Yes, because it serves as a helpful reminder to prioritize mental well-being alongside daily targets.
Yes, particularly for beginners who need a clear, structured way to start organizing workplace information.
The course allowed me to identify the area where errors could occur and the various steps to identify and reduce the errors. Case studies were also provided to give a real-life experience instead of theoretical lessons.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this course.
What is the main focus of this course?
It helps leaders bring honesty, integrity and accountability to complex decisions: applying ethical frameworks, assessing ethical risk, resolving conflicts fairly and building an ethical culture, applied to real situations in Austria.
What topics does the course cover?
Twelve units in three stages: values and principles (personal values, core principles, ethical frameworks, recognising dilemmas), principled decisions (conflicts of interest, weighing interests, fairness and justice, moral courage) and an ethical culture (setting standards, leading by example, compliance systems, accountability).
Who should attend this course?
CEOs and executives, managers, team leaders, government officials, educators, nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs who want to lead with integrity and transparency.
Is the course suitable for new or first-time leaders?
Yes. Newer leaders form ethical habits at the outset, while experienced leaders sharpen how they handle larger and more public decisions.
Is the course practical or theory-based?
Hands-on. Real-life case studies, interactive workshops and experiential exercises have participants assess dilemmas and justify their choices with peers.
How long is the course?
The standard course runs over 2 full days, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It can also be delivered as a 1-day, half-day, 90-minute or 60-minute session.
Can the course be customised for our organisation?
Yes. We can adapt the content, examples and format to your goals, industry and team. See Customized Corporate Training for how we tailor programmes.
Can we use examples from our own industry?
Yes. We design and deliver our courses with subject matter experts in each field. Tell us about your industry, context and terminology when you enquire, and it will be taken into account.
Can we combine this course with other topics?
Yes. We can combine related topics into one programme or build a learning pathway across several sessions and levels.
Is this course available outside Austria?
Yes. We deliver this programme in other countries worldwide, in person or live online, and can coordinate it across several locations.
What delivery options are available?
In person at your workplace or a venue you choose, live online, or a blend of both.
What kind of exercises and activities are included?
Real-life case studies, ethical risk assessments, values ranking, decision mapping, dilemma simulations, supplier conflict reviews and practice raising concerns.
Do participants receive mentoring during the course?
Yes. Participants receive mentorship and constructive feedback from experienced leaders throughout the course.
Will participants build a professional network?
Yes. Participants connect with fellow participants, build mentoring relationships with facilitators and guest speakers, and can join an alumni network for ongoing learning.
How does the course support personal growth?
Through regular self-assessment and reflection, guided journaling to track progress and set goals, and techniques for mindfulness and stress management.
Is the course relevant to the Austrian context?
Yes. It is designed for leaders in Austria, with case studies and discussions on ethical risk, compliance, fair conflict resolution and relationships with customers, suppliers and the community.
Which cities in Austria can the course be delivered in?
We can deliver it in cities across Austria, including Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt and Villach, and other cities on request. We also offer a full range of leadership courses in Austria.
Can we download a course brochure?
Yes. Download our course brochure for an overview of our training programmes.
How do we request a proposal?
Share your goals and requirements through the enquiry form on this page. Our team replies within one business day with suggestions and a tailored proposal.
Who can we contact about this course?
Email [email protected], call +65 6714 6663 or use the enquiry form on this page. We reply within one business day.
Next steps
From enquiry to delivery.
A simple, transparent process from your first message to the training day.
- 1
Enquiry
Share your training needs and priorities.
- 2
Consultation
We discuss and refine the scope with you.
- 3
Proposal
Receive a tailored proposal with delivery options.
- 4
Confirm
Review, adjust and agree the details.
- 5
Delivery
We deliver the programme for your team.
Get in touch
Get in touch about this course.
Tell us about your team and goals, and we will recommend the right format for your organisation in Austria. Fill in the form or contact our team directly.
- Email us[email protected]
- Call us+65 6714 6663
- Quick replyWe get back to you within one business day.
- Ask before you commitTalk to our team about the right course and format for your needs.
This course is customisable
We can tailor the content, examples and activities to your team’s industry, goals and workplace context. Explore Customized Training
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