CHARACTER DIMENSION OF LEADERSHIP ETHICS AND PERFORMANCE OF DEVOLVED GOVERNMENTS IN KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of the study: The study examined the influence of the character dimension of leadership ethics on the performance of devolved governments in Kenya.
Statement of the problem: In Kenya, unethical practices in the public sector and the political arena have been widely reported. Just like other countries, there have been incidences of unethical conduct among leaders in the public or private sector. The country has witnessed rampant unethical practices, such as corruption, overpricing of goods and services and incomplete projects despite budget allocation, among others.
Methodology: The target population comprises county government officials across all 47 counties in Kenya, including governors, county assembly speakers, representatives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), controllers of budget, public fora members, chairs of county boards, and auditors general. Through structured questionnaires and interview guides, data was collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression models.
Findings: The findings suggest that the character dimension of leadership ethics significantly influences the performance of devolved governments, with values such as honesty, kindness, and equality positively impacting organizational outcomes.
Conclusion: Leaders with strong moral character traits, including integrity, honesty, and ethical decision-making, significantly influence organizational effectiveness and governance outcomes.
Recommendations: It is recommended to implement comprehensive ethical leadership training programs for current and aspiring leaders. These programs should focus on cultivating moral integrity, ethical decision-making, and values-based leadership behaviors. Incorporating case studies, role-playing exercises, and real-world ethical dilemmas can provide leaders with practical skills and strategies for navigating complex ethical challenges.
Keywords: Character dimension, ethical leadership, performance, devolved governments, Kenya
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