Ethical leadership is an important subject in an organization. A leader’s behavior is often emulated by subordinates because leaders are perceived as attractive and credible models of normative and appropriate behavior, an action that is consistent with theories of social learning. Additionally, leaders who were considered to be ethical convey the importance of ethical standards in the workplace and utilize systems that hold employees accountable for conduct.
Ethical leaders exhibit behaviors that are more commensurate with doing the right thing in every situation. Ethical leadership emerges out of a combination of characteristics and behaviors that include demonstrating integrity and high ethical standards, considerate and fair treatment of employees, and holding employees accountable for ethical conduct.