Author(s): Professor N Dorasamy, Dr Emem O. Anwana
As individuals, leaders have sufficient power and influence to make decisions with and through others. Ethical leadership is premised on constructive collaboration which benefits society as a whole rather than selected group interests or self-interests. In promoting the good of the whole, ethical leaders demonstrate fairness, commitment and holistic behaviour. Likewise, ethical leaders during times of crisis like COVID 19, need to augment the health and well-being of their constituents which can be severely impacted. Nurturing positive influence during a pandemic can be challenging, considering competing needs in multiple contexts. However, managing such complexities requires a framework that is informed by taking cognisance not only of national interests, but also global interests considering that global interconnectivity requires a global will to pursue actions which do not marginalise certain communities. Therefore, the requisite holism underpinned by an ethical framework must drive ethical leadership, especially when pandemics are globally impacted. It is ultimately ethical leadership which can lead humankind out of the pandemic crisis, since authentic concern for healthy and protected people can eventually create economic, social and political value for the world.