The Scott/Harker Model of ethical leadership in the light of an African understanding of human existence

  • Martin Prozesky University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15249/4-1-60
Keywords: ethical business leadership, Ubuntu, African ethics

Abstract

Australian business consultant Ted Scott and his colleague, psychologist Phil Harker, have developed a model of ethical leadership in the workplace, involving two basic and contrasting styles of business leadership. Given their location in a wealthy, Western-type society, their model, which this paper describes, generates the following question: Does the model also have validity for Africans in southern Africa? To answer this question, the paper gives a profile of a widely held, traditional African view of human existence and correlates it with the Scott/ Harker model. This leads to the conclusion that the Scott/ Harker model is well suited to the challenges facing African business leaders. 

References

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Bujo, B. 2001. Foundations of an African ethic: Beyond the universal claims of Western morality. New York: The Crossroads Publishing Company.

Murove, M. 2004. An African commitment to ecological conservation through the concepts of Ukama and Ubuntu. Mankind Quarterly, xlv(2) Winter: 195–215.

Prozesky, M. 2007. Conscience: Ethical intelligence for global well-being. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu- Natal Press.

Scott, T. & Harker, P. 1998. Humanity at work. Luscombe, Queensland: Phil Harker & Associates.

Scott, T. & Harker, P. 2002. The myth of nine to five: Work, workplaces and workplace relationships. North Sydney: Richmond Ventures Pty Ltd.

Setiloane, G. 1986. African theology. Johannesburg: Skotaville. Shutte, A. 2001. Ubuntu: An ethic for a new South Africa. Pietermaritzburg: Cluster Publications.

Thorpe, S.A. 1991. African traditional religions. Pretoria: University of South Africa.

Published
2014-07-29
Issue
Vol. 4 No. 1
Section
Articles

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