Anona Armstrong Transformational Leadership Study
Journal of Business Systems, Governance and Ethics
Vol 3, No 3
The Ethical Dimension in Transformational
Leadership
Anona Armstrong
Centre for International Corporate Governance Research
Victoria University, Australia
Anona.Armstrong@vu.edu.au
Nuttawuth Muenjohn
RMIT University, Australia
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 …show more content…
Nevertheless, there is no doubt that those interviewed had no difficulty in responding and identifying values, ethical behaviours and leadership practices (even if they did not always appreciate the meaning of transformational leadership). As such, it is a useful starting point that confirms a relationship between values and ethics and transformational leadership. Elliott (2002, p.32) stated “The extent to which leadership actively aligns actual and espoused values of an organization within the framework of a strategic vision probably accounts for one quarter of all organization behaviour.” In these times with increasing numbers of accounts of unethical business practices in the press, the significance of our leaders’ ethics and values to society cannot be ignored.
Values and ethics are important topics for the leaders of organisations because they clarify the moral obligations and ethical responsibilities of the leaders who make business decisions. Ethics refers
Vol 3, No 3
The Ethical Dimension in Transformational
Leadership
Anona Armstrong
Centre for International Corporate Governance Research
Victoria University, Australia
Anona.Armstrong@vu.edu.au
Nuttawuth Muenjohn
RMIT University, Australia
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 …show more content…
Nevertheless, there is no doubt that those interviewed had no difficulty in responding and identifying values, ethical behaviours and leadership practices (even if they did not always appreciate the meaning of transformational leadership). As such, it is a useful starting point that confirms a relationship between values and ethics and transformational leadership. Elliott (2002, p.32) stated “The extent to which leadership actively aligns actual and espoused values of an organization within the framework of a strategic vision probably accounts for one quarter of all organization behaviour.” In these times with increasing numbers of accounts of unethical business practices in the press, the significance of our leaders’ ethics and values to society cannot be ignored.
Values and ethics are important topics for the leaders of organisations because they clarify the moral obligations and ethical responsibilities of the leaders who make business decisions. Ethics refers