4. The Character of a Leader: Authenticity as a Moral Distinction

There is much debate about whether the morality of a leader influences their authenticity or transformational efficacy. Drawing on the writings of Aristotle, sacred texts, and contemporary leadership literature, this analysis examines the importance of a leader’s character, positing the necessity for universal acceptance, consistency, and moral distinction for a leader to be viewed as authentic or transformational. Hence, to be an authentic leader, character and conduct must be consistently apparent publicly and privately. Likewise, to be a transformational leader, ethical conduct and commitment to the leader’s espoused vision should be modeled and reinforced systemically. Therefore, the shared moral components of both authentic and transformational leadership styles represent moral forms of leadership because they both call for integrity and consistency of espoused beliefs and measurable action.