Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore (1) what organisational leaders consider to be character elements of leaders within the workplace, (2) what influences leaders’ character development, and (3) how an organisation can continue the process of character development. The literature review and findings revealed that leadership, integrity, industriousness, empathy, loyalty, optimism, fairness and compassion are the most sought after character elements within leaders in the workplace. Leadership and integrity were found to be the most supported character elements. The findings also indicate that work environmental factors, a person’s own efforts, and the daily experiences of work life contribute towards character development.
Highlights
Great leaders throughout the history of man have won battles, called the command of nations and won the respect and admiration of their followers based on their character
Integrity/Faithfulness ‘People who are true to their word and who can be trusted under any conditions’; ‘Consistency and passion in executing tasks is not congruent with consistency and passion in words’; ‘A lot to do with what they committed to and what they deliver after their commitment’ ‘Faithful in the little things, such as obeying company rules eg. coming on time to work’
‘How you get the best out of people and the leader is only as good as his/her people’; ‘Empathy I believe underpins all aspects of leadership, you have to fundamentally put yourself in someone else’s shoes to understand what their needs are in their positions, in order to really communicate effectively’; ‘Understand what people under you are doing in their jobs, for example, wash dishes for a day, this enables getting a balanced perspective and builds respect from your subordinates’
Summary
Great leaders throughout the history of man have won battles, called the command of nations and won the respect and admiration of their followers based on their character. Cashman states that people should be leading out of character (leading from the inside-out), which opens up possibilities and potentialities and allows a leader to be guided by authenticity, purpose, openness, trust and compassion This problem is further exacerbated by the spirit of this age which revolves around material gain and a consumer mentality (Maxwell, 2002). Luthans and Avolio (2003) further hold that the authentic leader displays confidence, hopefulness, optimism, morality, and future-orientedness and gives priority to developing associates to be leaders Servant leadership is another form of leadership that considers character to be important. This in turn supports the organisation to fulfill what Bellingham (2003) calls an external moral responsibility towards customers and the greater community in which trading occurs
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