Bilateral transformational leadership - An approach for fostering ethical conduct in public service organizations

The author argues for an application of bilateral transformational leadersh ip approach composed of two essential ingredients: self-discovery process a nd reflection. This approach permits influences and definitions of organiza tional goals and ethical conduct to be jointly shaped by both lenders and f ollowers. Bilateral transformational leadership directs leader and follower to jointly construct a common values framework that serves as a basis for establishing a collective vision of change through meaningful and responsib le actions. A shared moral reasoning process exercised by leader and follow ers reinforces the bilateral transformational process and consequently elev ates and improves the ethical conduct of members in the public service orga nization.