Ethics, morality, and moral values are essential elements of human life. They influence how people think, behave, and make decisions. Ethics have been an important part of human existence since the beginning of time; they play a crucial role in shaping society's culture, norms, and traditions. Leaders must practice ethical behavior to lead others effectively and gain their respect.
Can leaders remain ethical when their private conduct is exposed to the public? This question has been debated extensively for decades and continues to be a significant issue that affects the success of leadership.
Can Ethical Leadership Survive Exposure of Private Sexual Conduct?
When a leader's private sexual conduct becomes public, it raises questions about their credibility as a person and the reliability of their actions. The most common form of such disclosure is adultery or infidelity. Adultery involves engaging in sexual activities with someone other than one's spouse or committed partner. It is considered a breach of trust and an act of betrayal. When a leader engages in adultery, it undermines their credibility as a leader because it shows that they cannot uphold moral standards and are willing to break social contracts. People who know about this information may lose faith in them as leaders and followers. If a leader cannot maintain loyalty and commitment to their partners, how will they lead their organizations, companies, and societies? Therefore, some argue that once exposed, ethical leaders cannot survive because their reputation is ruined.
Trust Irrevocably Damaged After Disclosure of Private Conduct
In addition to damaging a leader's reputation, exposing their private sexual conduct also destroys trust. Trust is crucial in any relationship; it helps create a bond between two parties based on mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation. Once broken, it takes time to rebuild and restore. When a leader's private conduct is revealed, it creates doubt in the minds of those around them, including employees, subordinates, peers, and supporters. They may wonder if the leader can be trusted to keep promises, make decisions, or handle sensitive matters confidentially. This doubt leads to mistrust, which causes tension in relationships and affects performance. Moreover, when a leader lies, cheats, or deceives others, it undermines their authority and creates suspicion. Therefore, people may no longer believe what the leader says or do as directed. As such, trust is irreversibly damaged after disclosure of private conduct.
Is Trust Irreparable Following Exposure of Private Sexual Conduct?
Not all are convinced that trust is irreparable after exposure. Some argue that trust depends on the severity of the offense and how the leader responds to it.
If a leader engages in consensual sex with another person outside their marriage but apologizes for it, they may regain some level of credibility. Also, if the leader demonstrates remorse and changes their behavior, they may gain back trust from followers over time. The key here is transparency and honesty. If a leader owns up to their mistakes and commits to change, their reputation may improve over time. Therefore, while trust may be initially damaged following exposure, it is possible to repair it with sincerity and authenticity.
Can ethical leadership survive exposure of private sexual conduct, or is trust irrevocably damaged?
Ethical leadership is widely defined as a leader who not only demonstrates high moral principles but also inspires others to do so (Stogdill & Coons, 1957). In recent years, research has found that leaders' personal characteristics such as humility, honesty, selflessness, openness, fairness, and compassion are often related to higher levels of employee satisfaction and organizational performance (McCleskey et al.