Why ethical leadership is a matter of values, not fear

Good men avoid sin from the love of virtue; wicked men avoid sin from a fear of punishment.
John Wesley, 1703-1791

On July 24 at the Sarova Panafric Hotel, a group of leaders from various sectors met to discuss ethical business and leadership.

Challenged by the widely accepted perception that it was not possible to occupy a leadership position without making moral compromises along the way, this unique group of individuals sought not only to counter this perception but to boldly declare that there are unashamed ethical leaders in the private and public sectors.

Kenya’s leadership was ably represented by, among others, politicians Daniel Waithaka (Nyandarua governor) and Hellen Sambili (Mogotio MP), Carole Kariuki (Kepsa), James Mworia (Centum), Kevin Mulei (MoSounds, founder Groove Awards), Mary Munyiri (Eclof), Jonathan Njine (Lubesol), Paul Mahiaini (Stoic Car Centre), media consultant Ephy Hunja, Bernice Gachegu (Registrar General of Kenya)and Justice Daniel Musinga (Court of Appeal).

Each of these leaders is known to be ethical in business, public and private dealings. All pride themselves in having confronted and prevailed over temptations to behave unethically for short term gain.

Some had paid dearly for taking principled stands and refusing to compromise on moral issues. None professed to be perfect, confessing that they were still works in progress on the ethical leadership journey.

What made this conference unique was not the discussion of ethical leadership but the reasons the leaders chose this path in their areas of authority.

Justice Musinga reformed the Kisii High Court because he felt that the Judiciary owed Kenyans dignity in the court system. Prof Sambili and Mr Waithaka stood for election because of a deep-hearted belief that Kenyans deserved political leaders who would not compromise their principles for short term gain.

Bernice Gachegu has made it known clearly that she will not accept even the friendliest of “gifts” from people in exchange for the public service she considers to be their right. Carole Kariuki, James Mworia, Kevin Mulei, Mary Munyiri, Jonathan Njine, Paul Mahiaini and Ephy Hunja all lead and conduct business based on the understanding that it pays off in the long term to adhere to a moral code – that businesses can only prove sustainable if they are led ethically by the example of the leader.

None of these leaders cited the fear of being sacked, being found out or being embarrassed in public as the basis of the action. None mentioned compliance to Chapter 6 of the Constitution or complying with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2012 as the motivator.

All presented ethical leadership as a concept that is positively reinforced rather than extracted through threats of punishment.

While on the surface many leaders may subscribe to ethical values and compliance to laws, the truly ethical Leader of Family Business does not adhere to a moral code because of the fear of being punished; they do so out of a deep heartfelt desire to do right by themselves, by the people around them and by their creator. As a result they can open their lives to public scrutiny, speak boldly about problems in society and encourage the development of innovative solutions to business challenges.

Ethical leadership and behaviour that is based on resonance with noble family values should be recognised and rewarded.

Celebrating truly ethical leaders frees the business venture to create innovative, noble and value-based solutions to long standing intractable challenges that face the business allowing it to surpass competitors.

Mutua is a Humphrey Fellow and a leadership development consultant focused on family businesses. [email protected]