The Ethical Dimension in Transformational Leadership

Abstract

Few empirical studies have been done that directly address the underlying values that drive leadership or distinguish its ethical dimensions. As a result the development of a theory about how values and ethics affect transformational leadership lacks empirical support. This has important implications for the study of transformational leadership. The purpose of this study was to establish a range of values and implied approaches to ethics that are associated with transformational styles of leadership, to use an inductive approach to determine the values and ethical approaches associated with transformational leadership, and to determine whether such a style is always right in itself. The study used interview data from senior executives to address the questions: What kinds of values do people associate with the dimensions of transformational leadership? Are these values related to ethical conduct and positive outcomes for followers and organisations? What are the values that drive transformational leadership behaviour? Is there an ethical or moral dimension to it? Do these represent ethical or immoral dimensions in the “Full range leadership model? The results of this study suggest that leaders’ values are more important in driving ethical behaviour among leaders, than the operationalisation of the management practices suggested by transformational leadership theory.