Ethics, the Heart of Leadership

TLDR: In this article, the authors explore the ethical dynamics between leaders and followers in business and in society as a whole, and argue that power and authority in today's world stem not from position or coercion, but from trust, commitment, and values shared with those who are led.

Abstract: The chapters in this book explore the ethical dynamics between leaders and followers in business and in society as a whole. They argue that power and authority in today's world stem not from position or coercion, but from trust, commitment, and values shared with those who are led. The authors raise important questions such as: How do people give and get trust? What moral hazards are inherent in transformational and charismatic leader/follower relationships? What roles do deception and self-deception play in giving and receiving power? The reader will gain a better understanding of the complex moral interaction of leaders and followers and why healthy moral relationships between leaders and followers are central to effective leadership. Practitioners, academics, and students will find this passionate collection invaluable in understanding the exciting and often controversial field of leadership and ethics.