Intimate Privilege for Leaders
Leaders are often expected to exhibit exemplary behavior, adhering to ethical standards and setting an example for their followers to emulate.
It has been suggested that they may possess some sort of "intimate privilege" that allows them to bypass normative moral codes when engaging in certain actions that would be considered unethical if performed by others. This phenomenon raises difficult questions about how leadership works and whether there are exceptions to common rules of conduct.
The idea behind intimate privilege is that leaders can behave differently from ordinary people because they have access to special resources or opportunities that are normally unavailable.
A politician who engages in extramarital affairs might argue that he/she needs this type of intimacy to stay mentally healthy while under constant pressure, while someone without such power would be judged harshly for doing so. Another example could be a business leader who takes advantage of employees sexually; they may claim that such behavior helps maintain their authority and status within the organization.
Such arguments can also be seen as defenses against accountability and responsibility. By claiming that their position grants them special privileges, leaders can avoid being held accountable for their actions and escape consequences for breaking social norms.
These claims may create a double standard wherein those with less power are held to higher standards than those with more power.
It's important to consider whether leaders should be given special dispensation when it comes to morality. On one hand, leaders often make decisions that affect large groups of people, making it vital that they are able to function at peak performance. On the other hand, allowing them to circumvent ethical guidelines sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine society's values and principles. It remains an open question whether we should accept this sort of "intimate privilege" for our most powerful individuals.
Do leaders possess a form of intimate privilege allowing them to bypass normative moral codes, and is this defensible?
Some scholars argue that leadership can give individuals a sense of superiority and entitlement, which allows them to engage in unethical behavior with impunity (Feldman & Ridgeway 2013). This could manifest as a disregard for rules and regulations, manipulation of others' beliefs and actions, and abuse of power.