Binns (2008) examined the impact that knowledge has on the personal ethical development of a leader. The author argues that leaders do not know how to develop ethically if not learned through academics and research studies. The reason behind this rationale is each individual approaches ethics with a biased point of view. The author notes that, with knowledge, leaders are better able to shed their incorrect ways of thinking and are liberated to think ethically and without bias.
King (2008) observed numerous managers across industries and noted eight common ethical values shared by all. The author found that ethical leadership is commonly exhibited by “honesty, loyalty, dedication to purpose, benevolence, social justice, strength of character, humility, and patience” (p. 719). These principles may be learned but ultimately originate from a religious faith or spiritual foundation. The author found that those who integrate faith into their workplace were more often considered ethical leaders. Therefore, the author argues that ethics derive from a place of faith.
Duffield and McCuen (2000) discuss the notion of ethical maturing. “The ethical maturity of a professional is important because it reflects how the individual approaches a dilemma that deals with values” (p. 79). The author defined ethical maturity as the ability to deal with complex dilemmas that involved competing values in sociotechnical choices. One matures in ethical understanding when having to outweigh multiple seemingly right options. The author also notes that ethical maturity is achieved when a leader is able to make these choices without being influenced by his or her own bias.