Ethical Leadership: What Is It Really?

Abstract

There has been much discussion regarding the apparent lack of ethics in leaders of public and private organizations, and elected officials. This commentary proposes a foundation that can be used to establish a standard for ethical leadership. The commentary is grounded in classical ethical theories that can be applied to today's leaders. The author concludes that ethical leaders will not compromise the good of the whole for the privilege of a select few. If leaders keep this in the forefront of their leadership and decision-making, it is likely we will see a rise in ethical leadership. It will not be necessary to define ethical leadership in words. Instead it will be demonstrated by our leaders.