Moral Leaders

Moral Leaders are one of the two overarching leadership types described by Burns (1978), the other being amoral leaders.  The moral leader's behaviors are consistent and aligned with the needs and values of the followers. Other characteristics of the moral leader include:

• Assuming responsibility for their actions and commitments to their followers.  They keep the promises made by personally leading the change.
• Understanding that alternatives exist, and willingness to switch direction, if needed.
• Power is given to the moral leader based on mutual needs.

Burns believed that moral leaders were diametrically opposed to amoral leaders, and that only moral leaders had a higher purpose in life.