Abstract
Against a background of increasing incidences and reports of unethical leadership practices in both private and public organisations in South Africa, this study was conceptualised and conducted with a view of deepening the researcher’s understanding of how ethical leadership is conceived and practiced in NAFCOC –one of the oldest business organisation in South Africa. This study was designed and conducted within a qualitative research paradigm, using a case study method approach, combined with document analysis and semi-structured interviews as techniques for data collection. Three purposively selected NAFCOC regional leaders each with more than 25 years of experience for NAFCOC in Gauteng Province, South Africa, were approached and interviewed. The data was analysed using Atlas Ti (7). The study found that within NAFCOC ethical leadership is perceived on the basis of a leader’s characteristics and practices. The leadership qualities range from, but are not limited to being: i) honest, ii) courageous, iii) transparent, iv) fair, and v) hardworking. The practicing of ethical leadership has been demonstrated through incidences such as: i) dialogue with others, ii) unity with followers, iii) peacemaking, and iv) making decisions that are socially just and morally oriented. It is concluded that conception and practice of ethical leadership in NAFCOC is shaped by the organisation’s history and mandate. The study has therefore made a substantial contribution to the field of understanding leadership practices and management within South Africa and will inform and stimulate future research in the same field.
M.Phil.