Moral Leadership: Ethics And Effectiveness

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Moral Leadership: Ethics and Effectiveness
Deborah Rhode provides a succinct explanation if what constitutes moral leadership. The difference between moral leadership and effective leadership is well explicated. Contemporary literature and many businesses executive have held a belief that there is no difference between effective leadership and moral leadership. Effective leadership is propped up by ethics and sound moral judgment. This is true, but it is eminent that effective leadership does not always encompass moral leadership. Corporate goals and pressure from stakeholders has significantly transformed the way in which leaders approach ethics and leadership in general (Rhode, 2006). An effective leader ought to have the ability to guide
If there is no persuasion, then it is only to say that there is no leadership. It is also apparent that for a leader to be in a position to persuade others to follow a given course of action, one must have some aspects such as integrity and integrity. Based on the definition given by Deborah Rhode, trust is a very important element in maintaining moral leadership. If a leader cannot be trusted, he or she cannot be a good leader, and people (followers) will not have enough confidence in them to the point of following what they say or want. Deborah concisely illustrates that moral leadership is quite different from effective leadership. Instead of aspiring to be followed, moral leadership endeavors to serve (Rhode, 2006). Rather than displaying their skills, moral leaders strive to develop the ability and capacity of their followers. It is important to note that moral leadership is expected from anyone in any position in the organizational hierarchy. However, moral leaders are individuals who have a deep sense of ethics, are propelled by core ideals such as fairness, honesty and integrity, and are usually motivated by
A good and effective leader must be an excellent example. History has borne this out time after time. For example, Herodotus, widely credited as the father of history, stated that “I am contented that we are less convinced by what we hear than by what we see.” (Zubko 2003, p.140 ). Deborah is challenging leaders to approach ethics from a different angle. From how the behavior and conduct displayed to the services offered and goods produced, to the customers they serve and suppliers they interact with, to the workforce and the society in general (Rhode, 2006). The whole ecosystem should reflect a character and show an element of ethics that forms the core of their decision and actions. Just as the workforce is assessed by their performance in a corporation, the workforce, stakeholders and the general public should evaluate their leaders with the benchmark being ethics. As stated in the book, a leader 's conducts ought to be impeccable (Rhode, 2006). This is due to the fact that, while in that position one is not only accountable to the employee but also to the society. The words and actions of a leader are watched by many followers, hence the impacts and implication of everything they say and do shape the view of the followers (Rhode,

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