Madam Mulenga is the director of a non-profit organization that provides basic amenities to street children. One day a philanthropic organization donated boxes of food items to her organization. Her team members who were very happy began to categorize the different types of food stuffs donated.
An unethical leader may allow herself and the team to pick what they desire from the boxes for themselves before giving what is left to the street children or even sell what has been brought and benefit from the monies. On the other hand, an ethical leader is likely to bring to the attention of all key stakeholders before appropriating the items for the intended purpose.
What is ethical leadership?
The values, principles and beliefs that define which behaviours could be considered as wrong or right is what is commonly termed as Ethics. Leadership is the process and practice of influencing others to achieve goals.
According to the Center for Ethical Leadership, “Ethical leadership is knowing your core values and having the courage to live them in all parts of your life in service of the common good.”
Ethical leaders are mostly characterized by some principles. The most important of the principles that make an ethical leader stand out is their appreciation of integrity. An ethical leader exemplifies the values and purpose of the organisation or team they superintend. With consistent energy, they are determined to execute to the best of their ability and encourage other team members to do the same. They are honest and open in all situations with all kinds of people.
Why is ethical leadership important?
A leader with positive ethical value is of great importance to any organization. An employee’s commitment to an organization’s integrity is encouraged by ethical leadership. Ethical leadership creates a healthier and more positive workplace culture in an organization. This type of work environment develops and builds strong relationships between workers and the leaders of the organization. Gradually, this type of leadership will create a positive outcome on worker productivity.
Also ethical leadership creates a culture of accountability. An ethical leader takes responsibility for the outcome of all the decisions and actions. An organization with this type of leadership makes sure that people at every level of the organization are personally committed to achieving key results targeted by the team or organization, and they never wait to be asked for a progress report or a follow-up plan.
Again, ethical leadership is vital because it creates an emphasis on being conscientious. Conscientious leaders have their focus on making sure a job is done the right way. They are very detailed when preparing for a task. These leaders look at all likely result and use predicted specifics to generate results which meet or go beyond expectations.
One can easily become an ethical leader and also transform the fortunes of an organization by first defining and aligning to their personal values. With these values aligned one will be able to lead any team by example through open communication.
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: MENSAH LILIAN
UCP-SARnet AFRICA, GHANA
14TH AUGUST, 2020.