ABSTRACT
Ethics-based approaches generally provide a stark contrast to many traditional approaches in leadership studies that focus on either the descriptive realities of leader-centric systems or the importance of leaders influencing others through their personal charisma, vision, and skill. Ethics-based approaches have three major concerns. The first concern is the intent of individuals, no matter whether leaders or members of the organization. The second concern is selecting the proper means for doing good. The third concern is in selecting the proper ends. Ultimately, all three concerns— good intent, proper means, and appropriate ends— must be functioning for good leadership to be robust. If the moral manager perspective emphasizes the external role of authorized values, authentic leadership emphasizes the internal perspective. One of the strengths of spiritual leadership is that it taps directly into the need to assist and make a difference. Leadership styles are based on the level of social consciousness, self-discipline, and courage of the leader, ranging from unethical to exemplary.
