Difference Between Authentic and Ethical Leadership

The main difference between Authentic Leadership and Ethical Leadership is that Authentic Leadership focuses primarily on the leader’s self-awareness, transparency, and genuineness, often emphasizing the leader’s personal values, beliefs, and ethics as central to their leadership style. In contrast, Ethical Leadership is more concerned with the ethical behavior and moral integrity of the leader and their influence on followers, emphasizing adherence to ethical principles, fairness, and the collective good in decision-making and actions.

What is Authentic Leadership and What is Ethical Leadership?

Authentic Leadership

Authentic Leadership is a leadership style that emphasizes the authenticity of leaders. It is based on the leader’s genuine self, including their personal values, beliefs, and principles. Key characteristics of Authentic Leadership include:

• Self-awareness: Understanding one’s strengths, weaknesses, values, and motives.
• Transparency: Being open and honest in communications and actions.
• Ethical Decision-Making: Making decisions that align with personal values and ethical standards.
• Genuineness: Displaying a true self, not a facade, to others.
• Relational Transparency: Building trust through showing true feelings and thoughts.

Ethical Leadership

Ethical Leadership, on the other hand, is focused on leading in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of others. It involves:

• Moral Integrity: Acting in a manner consistent with ethical principles and standards.
• Fairness: Treating all stakeholders with equity and impartiality.
• Respect for Others: Acknowledging the intrinsic worth of each individual.
• Community Focus: Emphasizing the welfare of the larger group or community.
• Ethical Culture: Creating an environment that encourages ethical behavior among followers.

Key Differences Between Authentic Leadership and Ethical Leadership

1. Focus of Leadership: Authentic Leadership centers on the leader’s self-concept and authenticity, whereas Ethical Leadership is oriented towards ethical standards and moral integrity in leadership.
2. Primary Emphasis: Authentic Leaders prioritize genuineness and personal values, while Ethical Leaders emphasize moral principles and collective welfare.
3. Decision-Making: In Authentic Leadership, decisions are often influenced by personal values and self-awareness; in Ethical Leadership, decisions are guided by ethical norms and the greater good.
4. Influence on Followers: Authentic Leaders inspire through their own authenticity, whereas Ethical Leaders motivate through ethical practices and fair treatment.
5. Leadership Development: Authentic Leadership development focuses on self-awareness and personal growth, while Ethical Leadership development centers on understanding and applying ethical principles.
6. Communication Style: Authentic Leaders are known for transparent and open communication based on their true selves; Ethical Leaders prioritize communication that reflects fairness and moral considerations.
7. Organizational Impact: Authentic Leadership often leads to a culture of openness and trust, whereas Ethical Leadership fosters a culture of integrity and ethical behavior.
8. Stakeholder Engagement: In Authentic Leadership, stakeholder engagement is driven by the leader’s personal values and beliefs; in Ethical Leadership, it is guided by the principles of equity and moral responsibility.

Key Similarities Between Authentic Leadership and Ethical Leadership

1. Moral Component: Both leadership styles underscore the importance of morality in leadership.
2. Influence on Organizational Culture: Authentic and Ethical Leaders both significantly shape the ethical climate of the organization.
3. Focus on Trust: Building trust with followers is a key aspect of both Authentic and Ethical Leadership.
4. Commitment to Personal Development: Both styles emphasize the growth and development of the leader and their followers.
5. Emphasis on Values: Both leadership types stress the importance of values in guiding leadership actions and decisions.
6. Leadership Effectiveness: In both Authentic and Ethical Leadership, the effectiveness of the leader is linked to their ability to act in alignment with their stated values and principles.
7. Impact on Followers: Both leadership styles aim to positively influence and motivate followers through their respective approaches.