THE CASE FOR LEADER MORALITY

Abstract

AbstractThe authors contend that in a world of great change and ever‐increasing tough problems, leaders must factor in the topic of morality as they work and make decisions. Gist is a former academic at the University of Washington and Seattle University; and Mulally is the former CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Ford Motor Company. They point to the need of morality as “virtues an individual has that guide how he or she actually determines what is the right thing to do and behaves accordingly.” They amplify that “In essence, morality refers to human judgment that some things are right while others are wrong, and that social standards or norms exist to distinguish and guide those determinations.” They draw on examples of morality‐deficient decisions by some pharmaceutical executives and the relation to opiate addiction; and social media company executives who prioritize content that leads to the most “engagement.” Unfortunately, this engagement can become inflammatory. The resulting “negative impact on society includes increasing political polarization, escalating racism, and growing violence.” The authors discuss Gist’s concept of Leader Humility, which “drives the moral virtues of honesty and courage.” Within that is the concept of self‐honesty: “It takes confidence to review one’s behavior, acknowledge weaknesses, mistakes, and personal motives.”