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Article
Publication date: 16 March 2010

Robert Hooijberg, Nancy Lane and Albert Diversé

The purpose of this paper is to understand the impact that perceptions of integrity have on perceptions of leadership effectiveness in the context of leadership behaviors.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the impact that perceptions of integrity have on perceptions of leadership effectiveness in the context of leadership behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used multi‐source feedback from top‐level public service managers, their direct reports, peers, and bosses to examine two aspects of the relationship between integrity and leadership. The paper used exploratory factor analysis to investigate what qualities different stakeholders – self, direct reports, peers, and bosses – associate with integrity. The paper then used the resulting integrity factor in a hierarchical regression analysis to examine if perceived integrity had a greater impact on perceived leadership effectiveness than leadership behaviors.

Findings

The paper shows an association between honesty and integrity for all stakeholder groups. Integrity has an impact above that of leadership behaviors on perceived effectiveness for managers and their peers but not for their direct reports and bosses. For bosses and direct reports, there is a significant relationship between being flexible and perceived effectiveness. Goal orientation is the leadership role that bosses most strongly associate with perceived effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The interpretation of integrity is left up to the respondents; the paper does not gather a more in‐depth understanding of what principles guide the respondents; the paper uses same‐source data to examine the associations among values, leadership roles, and effectiveness; and this research only provides a one‐time glimpse of how colleagues perceive their leaders' integrity and their personal effectiveness but does not link these to long‐term organizational effectiveness.

Practical implications

This research shows that what matters to bosses is that managers obtain results. Integrity adds to perceptions of effectiveness for managers themselves and their peers. For bosses and direct reports, flexibility is more important.

Originality/value

This paper articulates the perception of integrity in an organization, tests the axiom that integrity is an essential component of effective leadership, and provides empirical evidence on the role that perceptions of integrity has on the perceptions of leader effectiveness. Integrity may not be as strong as has been suggested.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 August 2022

Mehdi Yazdanshenas and Mehdi Mirzaei

This study aims to investigate the effect of leadership integrity on employees’ success. In this regard, the mediating role of ethical leadership and the moderating role of…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of leadership integrity on employees’ success. In this regard, the mediating role of ethical leadership and the moderating role of psychological capital and psychological empowerment were considered as well.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is an applied research and a descriptive-correlation survey that used quantitative data. Data were collected from 302 employees of a large factory in Iran who was selected randomly. The research questionnaire consisted of 54 statements and was distributed among the sample. Data was analyzed through confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings of this study show that leader integrity and ethical leadership have a positive effect on employees’ success and psychological capital and psychological empowerment moderate these effects. Moreover, leader integrity has an indirect effect on employees` success through employees’ perception of ethical leadership.

Originality/value

This study mainly contributes by explaining two sets of variables related to leaders’ behavior and employees’ cognitive competence which are complementary in improving employees’ potential success. The results highlight that leaders’ behavioral integrity can amplify ethical leadership which can ultimately leads to employees’ success if they have a high psychological empowerment and psychological capital.

Details

International Journal of Ethics and Systems, vol. 39 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9369

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2007

L.W.J.C. (Leo) Huberts, M. (Muel) Kaptein and K. (Karin) Lasthuizen

The purpose of this paper is to explore the connection between three aspects of leadership – role modeling, strictness, and openness – and nine types of integrity violations…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the connection between three aspects of leadership – role modeling, strictness, and openness – and nine types of integrity violations within the Dutch police force.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper data were collected by means of a questionnaire from five regional police organizations in The Netherlands (2,130 questionnaires to regular police officers, response rate 51 percent). Respondents were requested to describe their direct supervisor's leadership qualities and the frequency of integrity violations in their unit. Multivariate analysis techniques were employed to test the relation between the three leadership styles and the nine types of integrity violations.

Findings

The paper finds that role modeling, strictness, and openness of leaders influence the behavior of police officers, but the impact of the variables on the different types of integrity violations varies. Role modeling is especially significant in limiting unethical conduct in the context of interpersonal relationships. Employees appear to copy the leader's integrity standards in their daily interaction with one another. Strictness is important as well, but appears to be particularly effective in controlling fraud, corruption and the misuse of resources. The impact of openness is less evident.

Research limitations/implications

The study in this paper has taken the field of leadership and ethics a step forward by relating different aspects of leadership with different types of violations. The results are significant for further development of theories on ethics and leadership. Future research should combine different sources and methods in order to further test the findings.

Practical implications

The results in this paper have implications for integrity policies and leadership training. A multifaceted leadership strategy will be most effective in safeguarding and improving the integrity of (police) organizations.

Originality/value

The paper shows that leadership is the most frequently cited organizational factor in discussions about the safeguarding of ethics and integrity. However, empirical data are lacking regarding the extent to which different aspects of leadership individually contribute to different kinds of integrity violations.

Details

Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-951X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2020

Sudi Nangoli, Benon Muhumuza, Maureen Tweyongyere, Gideon Nkurunziza, Rehema Namono, Muhammed Ngoma and Grace Nalweyiso

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which perceived leadership integrity influences changes in organisational commitment. The premise of the study is the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which perceived leadership integrity influences changes in organisational commitment. The premise of the study is the argument that non-financial rewards alleviate the challenges associated with low levels of commitment in economies that are riddled with incessant situations of economic scarcity.

Design/methodology/approach

An explanatory study approach was adopted to investigate the envisaged linkage between the study variables from a socio-psychological perspective.

Findings

The results of the study establish that perceived leadership integrity significantly influences variations in commitment among organisational employees.

Research limitations/implications

The study results provide a reason for firms to invest more resources towards promoting honesty among organisational leaders. The findings of the study support the idea that perceived integrity of an organisation's leadership generates a sustainable win–win position not only between the organisation and employees, but also among the leaders and subordinates.

Practical implications

Organisations must regularly consider the drivers of organisational commitment and pay sufficient attention to non-financial drivers. As advanced by this study, a very important yet economical way of effecting such a strategy is through instituting measures that sustainably create a perception among employees that organisational leaders execute their duties with the utmost integrity.

Originality/value

This article has both empirical and theoretical value. Empirically, this work is the first of its kind aimed at investigating the effect of perceived leadership integrity on organisational commitment within Uganda's hospitality setting. Theoretically, the study extends the versatility of the hierarchy of needs theory by clarifying that higher-level needs offer a basis for explaining the effect of psychological processes (in this case, perceived leadership integrity) on behavioural changes (in this case, organisational commitment).

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 39 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2004

Lorna Storr

This research paper gives an account of a study into the relationship between leadership and integrity. There is a critical analysis of the current literature for effective…

9120

Abstract

This research paper gives an account of a study into the relationship between leadership and integrity. There is a critical analysis of the current literature for effective, successful and ethical leadership particularly, integrity. The purpose and aim of this paper is to build on the current notions of leadership within the literature, debate contemporary approaches, focussing specifically on practices within the UK National Health Service in the early 21st century. This leads to a discussion of the literature on ethical leadership theory, which includes public service values, ethical relationships and leading with integrity. A small study was undertaken consisting of 18 interviews with leaders and managers within a District General Hospital. Using the Repertory Grid technique and analysis 15 themes emerged from the constructs elicited, which were compared to the literature for leadership and integrity and other studies. As well as finding areas of overlap, a number of additional constructs were elicited which suggested that effective leadership correlates with integrity and the presence of integrity will improve organisational effectiveness. The study identified that perceptions of leadership character and behaviour are used to judge the effectiveness and integrity of a leader. However, the ethical implications and consequences of leaders' scope of power and influence such as policy and strategy are somewhat neglected and lacking in debate. The findings suggest that leaders are not judged according to the ethical nature of decision making, and leading and managing complex change but that the importance of integrity and ethical leadership correlated with higher levels of hierarchical status and that it is assumed by virtue of status and success that leaders lead with integrity. Finally, the findings of this study seem to suggest that nurse leadership capability is developing as a consequence of recent national investment.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. 18 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2017

Amos S. Engelbrecht, Gardielle Heine and Bright Mahembe

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how leader integrity and ethical leadership can influence trust in the leader and employee work engagement.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how leader integrity and ethical leadership can influence trust in the leader and employee work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using an electronic web-based questionnaire completed by 204 employees from various business organisations. Data were analysed by means of item analysis and confirmatory factor analysis conducted via structural equation modelling.

Findings

High levels of reliability were found for the measurement scales. Good model fit was demonstrated for the measurement and structural models. Empirical support was found for all the postulated relationships in the structural model.

Originality/value

This study is the first to analyse the joint relationships between leader integrity and work engagement through the mediating role of ethical leadership (i.e. moral management) and trust in the leader. The findings emphasise the key role played by ethical leaders in creating an ethical and trusting work climate conducive for employee engagement.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 38 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2020

Jinyun Duan, Zhaojun Guo and Chad Brinsfield

This study draws on uncertainty management theory to advance our understanding of the relationship between leader integrity and employee voice.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study draws on uncertainty management theory to advance our understanding of the relationship between leader integrity and employee voice.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data in China by surveying 274 supervisor-subordinate dyads at two different points in time. In addition to the direct relationship between leader integrity and employee voice, they also examined the moderating effect of leader consultation and the mediating effect of perceived risk of voice.

Findings

The authors found that leader integrity had a positive effect on employee voice, and perceived risk of voice mediated this relationship. They also found that leader consultation moderated the relationship between leader integrity and employee voice, as well as moderating the mediating role of perceived risk of voice.

Originality/value

Although prior research has examined the relationship between leadership and voice, it has not clearly explicated the effects of leader integrity on voice. In addition, the findings of this study regarding the moderating role of leader consultation, and the mediating role of perceived risk of voice, offer novel insights regarding the nature of the relationship between leader integrity and employee voice.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 41 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 May 2022

Dedy Eryanto, Iris van Eeden Jones and Karin Lasthuizen

This study investigates the impact of political interference on the capacity to combat corruption within Indonesian public sector institutions. It analyses the troubling impact of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of political interference on the capacity to combat corruption within Indonesian public sector institutions. It analyses the troubling impact of politicians in strategic leadership positions in public institutions and the impact this has on its ethical leadership credibility.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative multi-method approach was followed. Firstly, media publications were analysed to describe typical cases of corruption by political and public leaders and to evaluate the current state of the country. Secondly, the authors studied the selection and appointment processes for strategic leadership in two types of leading Indonesian public sector institutions based on laws and regulations and critical (media) publications to assess the problem of political interference. Lastly, the authors used insights from 42 face-to-face interviews within one leading public institution to understand the problem of political interference and its impact on ethical leadership credibility in Indonesia.

Findings

When politicians are appointed in strategic leadership positions of public institutions, including CEOs, the board of directors and commissioners, the downside is that such political support causes a conflict of interest that seriously threatens the independent functioning of public institutions and the ethical reputation of the public sector as a whole. The influence of specific Indonesian cultural values and norms only reinforces these ethical challenges in building public sector integrity.

Originality/value

Most empirical studies on ethical leadership focus on middle managers and the impact of ethical leadership on organisational outcomes. In addition, little is yet known about the effectiveness of ethical leadership in developing countries. This study attempts to address this gap and analyses the troubling role of politicians in strategic leadership positions in Indonesia's public institutions and the impact this has on its ethical leadership credibility.

Details

International Journal of Public Leadership, vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4929

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 December 2018

Md. Mahmudul Alam, Jamaliah Said and Mohamad Azizal Abd Aziz

This study aims to assess the status of current practices of accountability and its relationship with the practices of integrity system, internal control system and leadership…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess the status of current practices of accountability and its relationship with the practices of integrity system, internal control system and leadership qualities in the public sector of Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected primary data from 109 departments and agencies under 24 federal ministries in Malaysia. The data were analysed under descriptive statistics, ordinal regression and structural equation modelling (SEM). Several diagnostic tests were conducted to check the validity and reliability of data and models, such as Cronbach alpha test, Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin test, Shapiro–Wilk test, internal consistency reliability, indicator reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity.

Findings

The regression and SEM results show that the practices of integrity system and leadership quality had statistically significant positive relationship, but the practice of internal control system showed mixed relationship with the practices of accountability.

Practical implications

The findings of the study will help the policymakers to ensure better accountability in the public sector in Malaysia and other countries.

Originality/value

This is an original study based on primary data to examine the current practices of accountability and its relationship with the practices of integrity system, internal control system and leadership qualities in the public sector of Malaysia.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 15 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 July 2022

Ernie Ko

This article analyzes the implementation of anti-corruption reforms in Taiwan by two former presidents, Chen Shui-bian (2000-2008) and Ma Ying-jeou (2008-2016).

Abstract

Purpose

This article analyzes the implementation of anti-corruption reforms in Taiwan by two former presidents, Chen Shui-bian (2000-2008) and Ma Ying-jeou (2008-2016).

Design/methodology/approach

A three-tier research approach, including in-depth interviews, questionnaire survey, and descriptive and inferential analysis, is adopted. In addition to Chen and Ma, 11 senior anti-corruption officials who served under both presidents were interviewed by the author. The survey questions cover 12 factors which are later grouped into the five dimensions of ethical leadership, considerate leadership, delegating leadership, participatory leadership, and performance to illustrate the causal relationship between these dimensions and performance.

Findings

Ma’s personal ethics are distinct from Chen’s in kind but Ma’s overall leadership and performance outshine Chen’s in degree rather than in kind. While the gap of ethical leadership between two Taiwan presidents is significantly wider than other dimensions of leadership, the outcome of the national integrity is not proportionate to the ethical leadership gap. In other words, personal ethics are not automatically transformed into political will for enhancing anti-corruption effectiveness. Three popular forms of corruption, red envelopes (bribing), influence-peddling, and vote-buying are analyzed in the context of changing political culture through national leadership. Unfortunately, both Chen and Ma produce insignificant contributions based on public surveys.

Originality/Value

Policy-makers and scholars can use these research findings to further explore how ethical leadership can enhance a country’s anti-corruption performance.

Details

Public Administration and Policy, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1727-2645

Keywords

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