Examine the 5 ethics models given by Van Wart's book: Dynamics of Leadership in Public Service (2011) & comment on their attributes.
(1) The basic integrity model of the virtuous leader
2) The ethical leader as moral manager
3) The ethical leader as authentic
4) The ethical leader as a spiritual mentor to followers, clients and constitutes
5) The ethical leader as a transforming agent of change for the common good
- Critique what it means to be a Spiritual- Servant Leader in public service.
-Evaluate if ethical codes are enough for the Christian leader.
- Do Christian leaders have a higher biblical moral
obligation?
Sample Solution
1. The Basic Integrity Model of the Virtuous Leader
This model emphasizes the importance of personal integrity and character in ethical leadership. Virtuous leaders are honest, trustworthy, and fair. They are also committed to doing the right thing, even when it is difficult.
2. The Ethical Leader as Moral Manager
This model focuses on the importance of creating and maintaining an ethical organizational culture. Moral managers set clear ethical expectations for their employees and create systems and processes that support ethical behavior. They also role-model ethical behavior and hold employees accountable for their actions.
Full Answer Section
- The Ethical Leader as Authentic
This model emphasizes the importance of authenticity in ethical leadership. Authentic leaders are genuine and transparent. They are also true to their values and beliefs. Authentic leaders are more likely to be trusted and respected by their followers.
- The Ethical Leader as a Spiritual Mentor to Followers, Clients, and Constituents
This model focuses on the importance of spirituality in ethical leadership. Spiritual leaders help their followers to develop their own moral compasses and to make ethical decisions. They also create a sense of community and purpose within their organizations.
- The Ethical Leader as a Transforming Agent of Change for the Common Good
This model views ethical leaders as changemakers who are committed to making the world a better place. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their followers to work towards a common good. They also challenge the status quo and advocate for social justice.
Critique of the Spiritual-Servant Leader
The concept of the spiritual-servant leader has been criticized by some for being too vague and idealistic. Others have argued that it is unrealistic to expect public servants to be both spiritual and servant leaders.
However, there are many examples of public servants who have embodied the spiritual-servant leader model. For example, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa were all spiritual-servant leaders who dedicated their lives to serving others and making the world a better place.
Are Ethical Codes Enough for the Christian Leader?
Ethical codes can be a helpful tool for Christian leaders, but they are not enough. Christian leaders have a higher moral obligation that is based on their faith.
The Bible teaches that Christians are called to love God and to love their neighbors as themselves. This means that Christian leaders should always strive to do what is right, even when it is difficult. They should also put the needs of others before their own.
Do Christian Leaders Have a Higher Biblical Moral Obligation?
Yes, Christian leaders have a higher biblical moral obligation. As mentioned above, Christians are called to love God and to love their neighbors as themselves. This means that Christian leaders should always strive to do what is right, even when it is difficult. They should also put the needs of others before their own.
In addition, Christian leaders should be role models for others. They should demonstrate the values of honesty, integrity, compassion, and forgiveness. Christian leaders should also be committed to serving others and making the world a better place.
Conclusion
Van Wart's 5 Ethics Models provide a framework for understanding ethical leadership. These models can be helpful for public servants of all faiths. However, Christian leaders have a higher biblical moral obligation that is based on their faith. Christian leaders are called to love God and to love their neighbors as themselves. They are also called to be role models for others and to serve others and make the world a better place.
Additional Thoughts
It is important to note that ethical leadership is not easy. It requires courage, character, and a commitment to doing the right thing, even when it is difficult. However, ethical leadership is essential for building and maintaining public trust.
Christian leaders can play a vital role in promoting ethical leadership in public service. By living out their faith and by embodying the values of honesty, integrity, compassion, and forgiveness, Christian leaders can set a positive example for others. Christian leaders can also use their positions of influence to advocate for social justice and to make the world a better place.