Date of Award

5-19-2001

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS)

Department

Liberal Studies

First Advisor

Sheldon Solomon

Second Advisor

Betty Balevic

Abstract

The focus of this study is on the roles and requirements for ethical leadership in business environments in the coming millennium. Many business leaders have conveniently ignored ethical concerns at the expense of the people who work for them, the organization structure, the efficiency of their businesses and the environmental well-being of the planet.

First, the nature of leadership will be examined. This author will attempt to analyze the following questions: 1) What is leadership? 2) How do leaders develop? 3) What are the common characteristics of leaders? 4) How do leaders inspire and motivate others?

Second, the absence of morality and ethics and the loss of true leadership in business environments will be examined. This study will identify factors that have contributed to the current moral status of business organizations. This study will illustrate the adverse impact unethical leaders exert on their organization and their subordinates.

Finally, I will demonstrate the essential role of ethical leadership in the survival and productivity of business organizations through a review of contemporary literature on leadership and references to my own experiences in business settings.

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