Leadership as a matter of competency but also of character continues to be a headline issue around the world. In terms of character traits, the expectation is growing for leaders to be of impeccable character (Northouse, 2018, p. 25).<\/p>\n
Ethics help leaders make decisions. According to Northouse (2018), “ethics is concerned with what leaders do and who they are” (Northouse, 2018, p. 336). Ethics are not simply belief but inform behaviour. And, vice versa, a leader’s behaviour demonstrates their ethics.<\/p>\n
The definition of ethical leadership and the role of ethics in leadership are examined in a webinar (Van Buren, 2013) and an article (Avolio & Gardner, 2005). These bring to light the moral implications of leadership behaviour as well as methods by which a leader can enable their organization to grow and flourish.<\/p>\n
Van Buren’s (2013) definition of ethics is “principles, values and beliefs that define what is right and what is wrong behavior” (Van Buren, 2013, 3:58). Ethics are defined not only by right behaviour but also by the belief behind the behaviour. Van Buren’s (2013) reminder that being a leader doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re ethical highlights that there are issues of competency and also of character when it comes to leadership.<\/p>\n
The example of the organization who receives a donation of clothing (Van Buren, 2013) is a succinct example of the moral implication of leadership behaviour – both ethical and non-ethical. Avolio & Gardner summarize the moral component of leadership with the goal of achieving “authentic and sustained moral actions” (Avolio & Gardner, 2005, p. 324). The internal moral compass shows itself outwardly in moral or ethical behaviour.<\/p>\n
The moral implication of leadership behaviour is that the leader, the followers and the organization itself are all impacted by the ethics of the leader. Leaders set the moral tone for the entire organization (Van Buren, 2013). Leaders influence followers and their development\u00a0(Avolio & Gardner, 2005, p. 325-326). As Van Buren (2013) states, “all organizations can face ethical challenges” (Van Buren, 2013, 4:24) and the implication is that all organizations need leaders who believe and behave ethically.<\/p>\n
When it comes to enabling an organization to flourish and grow, Van Buren (2013) outlines six ways a leader can create an ethical culture. A leader can\u00a0be a visible role model<\/strong> to demonstrate ethical behaviour to influence followers and set organizational ethical values. Leaders have a responsibility to\u00a0communicate ethical expectations<\/strong> so that employees and the entire organization understand what is considered to be right and wrong behaviour. An ethical leader will\u00a0promote effective financial management<\/strong> to ensure the organization can achieve its goals with the available resources. Followers can grow as part of the organization when a leader\u00a0provides ethical trainings<\/strong> to clarify and communicate not only ethical behaviour but also the values, morals and beliefs which contribute to the organization. A leader who is able to\u00a0institutionalize an ethical culture<\/strong> develops followers to the point where ethical belief and behaviour are common and expected across the entire organization. When things don’t go as\u00a0expected, a leader who is able to\u00a0provide protective mechanisms<\/strong> will come to the help of followers and guard the organization against any kind of abuse or danger.<\/p>\n As I consider these six categories, the one which stands out to me the most is how I can\u00a0be a visible role model<\/strong>. In my role as a pastor, I have the privilege of leading several employees and many volunteers. I also have public visibility to the entire congregation as I participate in worship services. I understand that my behaviour is on display and is being examined in a unique way because of my leadership position. The opportunity I have to exemplify ethical, moral behaviour (rooted in a belief system or morality and values) helps to show those I lead and our church community what is expected in terms of belief and behaviour within this ethical culture.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Reference Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice, Eighth Edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.<\/p>\n Van Buren, Jane. [BuildingCapacity]. (2013, March 29).\u00a0What Is Ethical Leadership?<\/em> [Video File]. Retrieved from\u00a0www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ks2QGoIq5nA.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Leadership as a matter of competency but also of character continues to be a headline issue around the world. In terms of character traits, the expectation is growing for leaders to be of impeccable character (Northouse, 2018, p. 25). Ethics help leaders make decisions. According to Northouse (2018), “ethics is concerned with what leaders do … <\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Avolio, B. & Gardner, W. (2005).\u00a0Authentic leadership development: Getting to the root of positive forms of leadership.\u00a0Leadership Quarterly, 16,<\/em> 315-338. Retrieved from\u00a0http:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S1048984305000263?_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_origin=gateway&_docanchor=&md5=b8429449ccfc9c30159a5f9aeaa92ffb<\/p>\n