The purpose of this qualitative research study was to examine the decision-making skills of senior management leaders in the higher education sector and how those leaders drew on their moral and ethical skills when making decisions that presented ethical dilemmas. This examination was conducted among several public universities within the California State University (CSU) system to enhance the research on the decision-making skills of leaders in senior management roles, particularly of academic college deans. This investigation added to the literature by illuminating the faculties used by leaders when faced with ethical dilemmas, leading to a deeper understanding of how the personal, moral, and ethical compass informs workplace decisions. In addition, the university network is only as strong as the members within it. Therefore, the exploration of these senior management leaders' personal identities, moral and ethical compasses, and growth in a public university setting provided valuable information to inform future actions of leaders serving as a basis for creating professional development programs that minimize unethical behaviors in the university system. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]