Comparative analysis of ethical leadership and ethical culture in local government: The USA, The Netherlands, Montenegro and Serbia
International Journal of Public Sector Management
ISSN: 0951-3558
Article publication date: 5 October 2010
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of ethical leadership and ethical culture as a safeguard against corruption.
Design/methodology/approach
Using survey data from public managers in local authorities in The Netherlands, Serbia, Montenegro and the USA in a comparative study.
Findings
The USA and The Netherlands, generally, display higher levels of organizational integrity than Montenegro and Serbia. Second, the strongest effects of ethical leadership were found in Montenegro. Third, in all four countries a rule‐based approach to ethics dominated.
Research limitations/implications
It is difficult to determine the extent to which survey participants felt free to express their true opinions. Different social values need to be included as part of any comparative analysis.
Practical implications
The role of ethical leadership is crucial; the importance of laws and rules underpinning ethical conduct cannot be underestimated.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the growing interest in comparative studies.
Keywords
Citation
Kolthoff, E., Erakovich, R. and Lasthuizen, K. (2010), "Comparative analysis of ethical leadership and ethical culture in local government: The USA, The Netherlands, Montenegro and Serbia", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 23 No. 7, pp. 596-612. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513551011078879
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited