Ethics in Public Leadership

Introduction

Ethical leadership is an essential component of effective leadership in any organization, whether it be a public or private entity. It is essential for leaders to model ethical behavior, establish ethical standards, and hold themselves and others accountable for ethical behavior. Wart's (2011) five ethics models provide a framework for understanding different approaches to ethical leadership. Additionally, the concept of spiritual-servant leadership emphasizes the importance of serving others with compassion, care, and purpose. This essay will examine these models of ethical leadership and discuss the attributes of each. It will also explore the concept of spiritual-servant leadership in public service, evaluating the ethical obligations of Christian leaders and applying biblical principles to the practice of ethical leadership.

Part 1: Examining Wart's Five Ethics Models

Wart's (2011) five ethical models present different approaches to ethical leadership, highlighting the importance of personal integrity, ethical management, authenticity, spiritual guidance, and transformative leadership. Each model provides a unique perspective on what it means to be an ethical leader, emphasizing different aspects of leadership that contribute to ethical behavior and decision-making.

Basic Integrity Model of the Virtuous Leader

The basic integrity model of the virtuous leader places a high value on personal integrity and character as the foundation of ethical leadership. This model highlights the importance of honesty, fairness, and responsibility in all aspects of leadership. In this model, leaders are taught to recognize that ethical behavior is not only the right thing to do, but also the most effective way to inspire trust and respect from followers and other stakeholders (Lawton & Paez, 2015).

As virtuous examples, leaders are expected to set the tone for ethical behavior by modeling the behavior they expect from others. Leaders who demonstrate honesty, fairness, and responsibility in their own behavior are more likely to inspire these qualities in others (Hackett & Wang, 2012). For example, a leader who demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability in decision-making is more likely to inspire these qualities in their team members and colleagues.

The basic integrity model of the virtuous leader also stresses the importance of ethical decision-making. Leaders should recognize that ethical decision-making requires careful consideration of the impact of their decisions on others and a commitment to doing what is right, even if it is difficult or unpopular (Hackett & Wang, 2012).

Ultimately, the basic integrity model of the virtuous leader highlights the importance of personal integrity, honesty, fairness, and responsibility in ethical leadership. Leaders who embrace this model are committed to modeling ethical behavior through personal example, promoting ethical decision-making, and inspiring trust and respect from their followers and other stakeholders.

Ethical Leader as Moral Manager

The ethical leader as moral manager emphasizes the importance of ethical management practices and systems in promoting ethical behavior in organizations (Wart, 2011). This model is based on the idea that ethical behavior is not just a matter of personal integrity, but one that also requires the development and implementation of effective systems and processes to ensure that ethical standards are upheld. Furthermore, it establishes the value of setting clear ethical standards and expectations for behavior in the workplace. Leaders using this model recognize that employees need to know what is expected of them in terms of ethical behavior, and that this requires clear and consistent communication of ethical standards and policies (Demirtas & Akdogan, 2015).

In addition to setting clear ethical standards, the ethical leader as moral manager also emphasizes the importance of implementing systems for monitoring and enforcing ethical behavior. This includes mechanisms for reporting ethical violations, as well as processes for investigating and addressing ethical concerns. Leaders who embrace this model recognize that the mere existence of ethical standards is not enough; they must be actively monitored and enforced to ensure that they are being upheld.

Finally, the ethical leader as moral manager emphasizes the importance of training employees in ethical decision-making. This includes providing employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify ethical issues and make sound ethical decisions. Leaders who embrace this model recognize that ethical behavior is not innate, but must be developed and nurtured through education and training (Armstrong et al., 2003).

Thus, this model emphasizes the importance of ethical management practices and systems in promoting ethical behavior in organizations. It holds that leaders must be committed to setting clear ethical standards, implementing systems for monitoring and enforcing ethical behavior, and providing employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to make sound ethical decisions.

Ethical Leader as Authentic

The ethical leader as authentic model emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and one's values in ethical leadership. This model recognizes that effective leadership is not just a matter of following a set of prescribed behaviors or practices, but also requires leaders to be authentic and true to themselves (Wart, 2011).

This model points out the importance of being transparent, honest, and genuine in one's communication and behavior. Leaders are to be open and transparent in their communication with others, and they are honest and genuine in their behavior (Yue et al., 2019). They are not afraid to show vulnerability and admit when they have made a mistake or when they do not have all the answers. In addition, this model highlights the importance of building trust and credibility through authentic leadership. Leaders applying this model know that trust is essential for effective leadership, and that trust is built through consistent and authentic behavior. By being true to themselves and their values, leaders can build trust and credibility with their followers and other stakeholders.

The ethical leader as authentic model also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and reflection in ethical leadership. Leaders who embrace this model take time to reflect on their own values, beliefs, and motivations, and they are aware of how these factors influence their leadership behavior. This self-awareness allows leaders to be more authentic and genuine in their leadership, and it enables them to make more ethical decisions...…which states, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." This passage highlights the importance of three key ethical principles in leadership: justice, mercy, and humility. As leaders, it is our responsibility to act justly, to ensure that we are fair and impartial in our decisions and actions. We must also demonstrate mercy and compassion towards others, recognizing the dignity and worth of every individual. Finally, we must walk humbly with our God, acknowledging that our authority and power come from Him and not from our own efforts. This passage reminds us that ethical leadership requires a commitment to justice, mercy, and humility.

Yet another biblical passage that is relevant to the concept of ethics in leadership is Proverbs 11:14, which states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." This passage emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel and guidance from others in leadership. As leaders, we should not rely solely on our own wisdom and understanding, but should seek the input and advice of others, especially those with diverse perspectives and experiences. This can help us make more informed and ethical decisions, and can also promote a culture of collaboration and inclusion within our organizations. Ultimately, this passage highlights the importance of humility and a willingness to learn and grow as leaders.

I picked Matthew 20:26-28, Micah 6:8, and Proverbs 11:14 as they provide different perspectives on ethics in leadership, which together present a well-rounded approach to ethical leadership. Matthew 20:26-28 emphasizes the importance of servant leadership and humility. To me, this passage highlights the fact that leaders must serve those they lead and put the needs of others before their own desires for power and authority. Micah 6:8 emphasizes the importance of justice, mercy, and humility in ethical leadership. To me, this passage serves as a reminder that leaders must be just and merciful in their actions, and they must also remain humble in their dealings with others (Van Dierendonck & Patterson, 2015). Proverbs 11:14 emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel from others in making wise decisions. To me, this passage underscores the importance of seeking the opinions and advice of others when making decisions, as leaders do not always have all the answers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ethical leadership is a critical component of effective leadership in any organization, especially in public service. Wart's five ethics models provide a framework for understanding different approaches to ethical leadership. The concept of spiritual-servant leadership highlights the importance of serving others with compassion, care, and purpose. Ethical codes are important for Christian leaders, but they must also strive to follow the teachings of Christ and serve others with humility and grace. The biblical passage from Matthew emphasizes the importance of servant leadership and reminds us that true greatness comes from serving others. Indeed, Christian…