Transformational Leadership and Ethical Values. A Philosophical Approach

Bachelor Thesis , 2016 , 74 Pages , Grade: 1,3

Philosophy - Practical (Ethics, Aesthetics, Culture, Nature, Right, ...)

This study focuses on analyzing leadership on a meta level that allows to deduce a general theory of leadership, that is independent from the individual leader. Consequently, in this context the most important task of leadership is not only to provide a definition of leadership but to primarily find an answer to the question what good leadership in general and good transformational leadership in particular means.

In times where change and transformation appears frequently the capable leader has to understand leadership as a transformation process and has to develop a transformational leadership style. But even though transformational leadership can be described as a crucial factor for future success, transformational leadership simultaneously contains the possibility to develop to a major threat for society Political leaders with a transformational approach like Josef Stalin, Adolf Hitler or Mao Zedong caused millions to suffer and nations to fall under their leadership, whilst other transformational political leaders reform nations and are leaders of progress, success and prosperity.

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Leadership & Ethics
• 2.1 Definition: Leadership
• 2.2 The Process of Leadership
• 2.3 Ethics in Leadership
• 2.3.1 Leadership Philosophies
• 2.3.2 Comparison: Leadership Philosophies
• 2.3.3 The Metaphysics of Power as a Foundation of Leadership
• 3. Transactional Leadership
• 3.1 Definition: Transactional Leadership
• 3.2 Transactional Leadership Components
• 3.3 Overview: Transactional Leadership Components
• 4. Transformational Leadership
• 4.1 Definition: Transformational Leadership
• 4.2 Transformational Leadership Components
• 4.3 Overview: Transformational Leadership Components
• 4.4 Effectiveness of Transformational Leadership
• 4.5 The FRL- Model by Bass
• 4.6 The Augmentation Effect
• 4.7 FRL - Model by Bass: Discussion
• 4.8 A Dynamic Definition of Augmented Transformational Leadership
• 4.9 The "Black Box" of Functionality
• 5. Transformational Leadership & Performance
• 5.1 Leadership Performance & Ethical Context
• 5.2 Logical Analysis of Ethical Leadership Dilemmas
• 5.3 Transformational Leadership & Effects on Performance
• 6. Issues of Transformational Leadership
• 6.1 The Problem of Pseudo-transformational Leadership
• 6.2 Socialized-transformational and Pseudo-transformational Leadership
• 6.3 Effects of Pseudo-transformational Leadership
• 6.4 Exploitative Institutions
• 6.5 Comparison: Transformational / Pseudo-transformational Leadership
• 6.6 The "Black Box" of Ethical Values
• 7. Ethical Values & Leadership
• 7.1 The Ethics of Leadership
• 7.2 Moral Principles as a Solution to Ethical Leadership Dilemmas
• 7.3 The Hypothetical Generalization Principle
• 7.4 Solving the "Black Box" of Ethical Values
• 7.5 Ethical Leadership & Social Learning
• 8. Conclusion

Objectives and Key Themes

This bachelor thesis aims to explore the relationship between transformational leadership and ethical values. By examining the theoretical framework of both concepts and analyzing their practical implications, the study sheds light on the potential for transformational leadership to foster ethical decision-making and positive organizational outcomes.

• Transformational leadership styles and their impact on followers and organizational performance.
• Ethical considerations within leadership, particularly in relation to the concept of "pseudo-transformational leadership."
• The role of ethical values in guiding leadership behavior and mitigating potential ethical dilemmas.
• Exploring the potential for ethical leadership to promote positive social change and foster a more just and equitable society.

Chapter Summaries

The thesis begins with an introduction to the core concepts of leadership and ethics, providing a foundation for subsequent analyses. Chapter 2 delves into the process of leadership, exploring the interplay between leader and follower, and examines various leadership philosophies. Chapter 3 explores the dynamics of transactional leadership, highlighting its strengths and limitations. Chapter 4 focuses on transformational leadership, outlining its key components and discussing its effectiveness in different contexts. Chapter 5 analyzes the relationship between transformational leadership and performance, examining how ethical considerations influence leadership success. Chapter 6 critically examines the potential pitfalls of transformational leadership, specifically the issue of "pseudo-transformational leadership," which involves manipulative tactics for personal gain. Finally, Chapter 7 delves into the ethical values that underpin leadership, exploring how moral principles can guide ethical decision-making and promote positive social impact.

Keywords

The key focus of this thesis lies in the interrelation of transformational leadership, ethical values, and organizational performance. The study utilizes concepts such as ethical decision-making, leadership philosophies, pseudo-transformational leadership, moral principles, and social learning to explore the complexities of leadership in a contemporary ethical context.

• College: Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
• Grade: 1,3
• Author: Lucas Freund (Author)
• Publication Year: 2016
• Pages: 74
• Catalog Number: V366437
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668451940
• ISBN (Book): 9783668451957
• Language: English
• Tags: Leadership, Ethics, Philosophy, Business Ethics, Business, Transformational Leadership, Transactional Leadership, Kant, Meta Ethics