Abstract
ABSTRACT Purpose: Analyze the influence of ethical leadership on the relationship between leaders and followers, as well as its consequences for individual performance, commitment to work goals, and organizational citizenship. Originality/gap/relevance/implications: Although ethics in leadership is supposed to promote positive consequences in the work context, its association with performance and other relevant aspects in the business environment - such as the commitment to goals - has not yet been empirically studied. The present research contributes by filling this gap, therefore expanding the knowledge about the implications of ethical leadership in Brazil. Key methodological aspects: A survey was conducted in a multinational telecommunications company, with a sample of 161 store clerks and 15 managers responsible for the sales units located in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The statistical analysis was done using the software SPSS, through multiple regression analyses conducted with the variables studied. Summary of key results: The results corroborate the benefits of ethical leadership. They show a positive association between ethical leadership and both the quality of the leader-follower relationships and employee performance. Key considerations/conclusions: The research suggests that ethical leadership seems to have a positive impact on work productivity, by building a better relationship with employees. Therefore, based on the findings, it is possible to recommend specific actions in leadership development programs, calling attention to the importance of discussing ethical dilemmas, behaviors, and models of practice.
Highlights
Recent events involving international conflicts, terrorism, corporate scandals, and corruption in politics have inspired the development and advancement of the theory about ethical leadership, stimulating research and initiatives focused on ethics in the academic and organizational environment (Sobral, 2009; Gama, Peixoto, Seixas, Almeida, & Esteves, 2013; Oliveira, Aguiar, Queiroz, & Barrichello, 2014)
The study investigates if ethics in leadership is linked to individual performance, organizational citizenship behaviors, and goal commitment among employees in the company
Hypothesis 3: Ethical leadership is positively associated with organizational citizenship behavior (OCBi)
Summary
Recent events involving international conflicts, terrorism, corporate scandals, and corruption in politics have inspired the development and advancement of the theory about ethical leadership, stimulating research and initiatives focused on ethics in the academic and organizational environment (Sobral, 2009; Gama, Peixoto, Seixas, Almeida, & Esteves, 2013; Oliveira, Aguiar, Queiroz, & Barrichello, 2014). With respect to the climate of uncertainty of recent times, the greatest challenge appears to be the restoration of confidence, hope, and optimism in relations and social transactions – people are yearning for leadership in which they can trust, for good and honest leaders (Avolio & Gardner, 2005). In this context, the development of the theory about ethical leadership has sought to contribute to the investigation of the effects of moral conduct on the performance of the leader’s followers (Brown, Treviño, & Harrison, 2005). This study explores the mechanisms whereby ethical leaders promote productive attitudes and behaviors at work, based on social exchange theory applied to leaders and followers; i.e., Leader-Member Exchange
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