Moral and Ethical Leadership

or biological catastrophe, whether deliberate or accidental; (b) a worldwide epidemic; (c) tribalism and its cruel offspring, assimilation (all three of these are more likely than they were a decade ago); and, finally, (d) the leadership of our human institutions. Without exemplary leadership, it will be impossible to solve the first three problems. In a world dominated by complex problems, the type of leadership that is necessary is transformational leadership, which is responsible for bringing about societal changes. Moynihan et al. (2012) proposed ways of overcoming many of the structural and environmental constraints of the public sector. They also advocated the adoption of transformational leadership, in order to enhance performance.

Several researchers show that transformational leadership predicts higher levels of job performance among followers (Bass and Riggio 2006). Most of the research supports the same conclusion. Transformational leadership is essential for self-transcendence (Carey 1992). Transformational leadership is necessary to influence followers to bring about changes. Transformational “leaders encourage charismatically-led followers to develop their skills so that they might eventually demonstrate initiative in working for the leader’s goals” (Graham 1991, p. 116). The transformational leadership possess the skills or abilities to bring about societal changes.

Currie and Lockett (2007) emphasized the renewed interest in transformational leadership considering global challenges. Bass (1985) differentiates between transactional and transformational leadership. The differences are crucial from the point of the current understanding of leadership (Bryman 1992). The “transformational leader raises the aspirations of his/ her followers so that the leaders and the followers’ goals are combined in a mutual and continuing pursuit of a higher purpose” (Burns 1978, p. 20). Transformational leadership consists of four distinct components: charisma, inspiration, individualized consideration, and intellectual stimulation. The transformational leader is instrumental in creating a vision and inspiring pride, respect, and trust. Transformational leadership is instrumental in motivating the employees by idealized influence and also by providing the supports. Finally, the leader maintains a continuous challenge to followers by espousing new ideas and approaches (Bryman 1992). Besides transformational leadership, there is a greater demand for moral and ethical leadership.