The Role of Ethical Leadership in Public Administration.

Why Education Is Key to National Development

Understanding Taxes for Small Business Owners

Current Technology Trends in Africa

Every day the government make decisions that impact millions of people. They determine spending priorities for tax dollars, awarding of contracts, permits, and enforcement of laws. This all has real implications. Good leaders are good managers of public resources, and it is integral to what they do. These resources are embezzled, squandered or misused when leaders are corrupt. Good ethics (good leadership) make the difference between a prosperous and an unproductive country.

True Cost of Unethical Leadership

A large number of people believe that it's just money being stolen. However, the expense doesn't stop there. A bribe from a government official if they are asking for one increases the price of doing business. This expense is borne by customers. The public receives substandard roads, bridges or schools, when the person the politician has a cousin is the contractor for a pledged service. In the case of police officers demanding bribes and not enforcing laws, the amount of crime increases and the citizens who are subject to the demands suffer.

These costs add up. The African Union estimates that corruption is a drain to the African economies to the tune of billions of dollars every year. It's funds that could have been used for hospitals, teachers, clean water. Every dollar of that money stolen is a dollar that was taken from a citizen who paid his taxes, and in return was expecting service.

However, unethical leadership means that it damages trust, as well as costing money. If the citizens see the leaders getting richer, it means that they lose their faith in the government. No more taxes are paid. They do not come into contact with officials. They can resort to unofficial means or even to violence to oppose. When the people lose faith in the government, it cannot function effectively.

The Foundation of Equitable Leadership

The first principle of ethical leadership is integrity. An honest, transparent and responsible leader sets the example for those that follow. Head of an agency will not accept bribes, subordinates will not be willing to request bribes. The disclosure of a minister's holdings becomes public, and other officials feel compelled to disclose their holdings.

Integrity also translates to acting for the common good rather than for personal benefit. Government is like a public trust and NOT like any private business. Officials are custodians of resources that are for the people. That stewardship responsibility should be embraced in all the decisions that are to be made. Ethical Leaders do not question what is best for them, their family, or their friends. What is in the public interest to them?

Transparency is also a cornerstone. Ethical Leaders make their decisions open to public review. They post the budgets, contracts and minutes of their meeting. They answer questions from journalists and the people. They are aware of the fact that sunlight is the greatest disinfectant. If the things are decided privately, the corruption takes root. Accountability comes with decisions that are made in the open.

The foundation is completed with accountability. Ethical leaders take responsibility for their conduct and others' conduct under their leadership. They don't blame others or attempt to cover up something when something goes wrong. They learn what went wrong, fix it and stop it from happening again. They take responsibility as well. Violation of the law doesn't make an ethical man a special case. They are entitled to justice as like any other citizen.

The importance of ethical leadership in the advancement of development.Role of ethical leadership in the development.

Ethical leadership is more than simply "the right thing". It's a smart financial approach. Less corrupt countries are faster growing economies, more welcoming to investment and better at providing public services.

Consider foreign investment. No company should invest in a nation where bribes are needed, contracts can be unreliable, and where the courts are corrupt. Businesses will be rewarded for sustainable activities in clear and predictable settings. While an ethically led government can assure investors that their funds are secure, a government that is not suggests that investors need to be wary. Investment follows.

Consider public services. Stolen health supplies or recruitment of teachers on the basis of relations instead of qualifications makes delivery of services difficult. Citizens pay taxes but do not get what they pay for. Ethical leadership assures the delivery of resources to the intended destination. A child is given a textbook. A patient is being given medicine. A farmer is getting fertiliser. These small deliverables add up to development.

Think about the rule of law. Citizens are able to plan their lives and businesses when laws are applied fairly and consistently. They understand that agreements will be respected, goods will be secured and problems will be settled in an even-handed way. This predictability allows economic activity and long-term investment.

This work examines how citizens can make an impact on the development of ethical leadership.Citizens and their impact on ethical leadership.

Ethical leadership doesn't just happen. It is demanded by citizens. If citizens tolerate corruption, they will have corrupt leaders. Elders are earned with integrity from citizens.

The most effective instrument that mankind has is voting. Those who think corruption is a problem need to elect low-corruption and anti-corruption candidates. They should turn down candidates they are aware of having a corrupt background, even if they are of their favorite party or ethnic group. Politics becomes an upright vote, not a voting on identity.

A citizens vote is not the only demand that can draw transparency and accountability. They are able to participate in budget hearings and ask questions. They may seek documents in accordance with freedom of information laws. They are able to report corruption to anti-corruption agencies and follow up to ensure action. They can assist journalists making investigations into corruption and can help shield them from retaliation.

The civil society organisations play a singular role. The activities of watchdogs such as Transparency International, the African Centre for Media and Information Literacy, local anti-corruption organizations, surface government corruption and abide by a watch to reform it. Citizens are invited to join, volunteer or donate to these organisations.

Whistle blowers are of particular significance. Government officials, who refuse to keep their mouths shut, are responsible for many cases of corruption being uncovered. Whistleblowing is more likely to increase if it is easier to protect those who do blow the whistle and easier to receive rewards for them coming forward to do it.

Building Ethical Systems

Every individual is important, but systems are more important. Even good people can fall prey to a corrupt system. Even an unworthy one can be hampered by an ethical system. Thus, it is important to develop ethical systems.

For one, procurement reform. Less favouritism and bribery when contracts are awarded by open, competitive bidding. Transparency is enhanced when bids are published and decisions can be appealed. In many countries, there are independent procurement authorities to get rid of political involvement in procurement decisions.

Another tool is asset declaration. The conditions for revealing assets before and after assuming office of public office.Conditions for revealing assets before and after assuming office as a public official.