Ethical leadership in education and its relation to ethical decision-making

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate ethical leadership in the context of the Arab educational system in Israel. It questions the relations of ethical leadership dimensions with decision making as well as background characteristics of the educational leaders. Design/methodology/approach Arab educational leaders (n=150) from diverse Arab schools responded to valid research tool of 40 items constructed of six subscales: three ethical leadership dimensions (critique, justice and care) and three leadership work aspects (ethical sensitivity, climate and decision making). Averages were calculated for each subscale. Findings Significant relations were found among ethical leadership dimensions and decision making, the leaders’ school type and their seniority. Research limitations/implications This study is based on research in diverse countries, using a common conceptual frame. Its limitation is the sample’s narrow scope. Practical implications The study results may inform the developing ethical qualities in educational leadership. Originality/value The authors recommend widening the scope of the sample examined to further clarify the concept of ethical leadership and its implications to the practice of educational leadership.