Conclusion
Any culture of leadership cannot be built without a basic link between given ethical
theories and specific representations of reality. Some authors believed that a
combination of ethical theories could be the most relevant perspective for defining
ethical leadership (Knights and O’Leary, 2006; Ncube and Washburn, 2006). We have
seen how the eight leadership approaches are connected with one of the ethical
theories. But above all, what we have suggested is that a given ethical theory (such as
philosophical egoism) could be suited to the components of various leadership
approaches. Ethical leadership does not imply that a given leadership approach reflects
only one ethical theory. For different reasons, various leadership approaches could
agree with the same ethical theory.
Future research should emphasize cultural and religious conditionings that are
behind social expectations of ethical leadership. Indeed, very little research has been
carried out about the spiritual and religious background (for instance, Hinduism,
Buddhism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam) that is closely linked to various
ethical leadership styles. If we do not take into account spiritual and religious
beliefs/values (and even the philosophical and theological concepts which are involved
in such beliefs systems), we will distort the way ethical leadership could be practiced in
many parts of the world.