NAVIGATING TURBULENT WATERS: THE ROLE OF ETHICAL LEADERSHIP IN CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Abstract
This paper explores the pivotal role of ethical leadership in conflict management, proposing a comprehensive framework that integrates ethical leadership principles with existing conflict management theories. Ethical leadership, grounded in fairness, transparency, and empathy, is identified as a key factor in reducing organizational conflicts and enhancing task performance. The framework presented in this study emphasizes the importance of combining ethical leadership with strategies such as active listening, collaborative problem-solving, and empathetic conflict resolution. It argues that ethical leadership alone is insufficient for effective conflict management; instead, it must be complemented by robust conflict management strategies to create a conducive organizational environment. Additionally, the paper highlights the unique socio-political and economic challenges faced by organizations in Delta State, Nigeria, where political instability and economic constraints often exacerbate conflicts. The study proposes that future research should focus on the specific challenges of conflict management in resource-constrained environments, offering tailored solutions for such contexts. Practical recommendations include the development of ethical leadership training programs, the adoption of leadership approaches rooted in ethical principles, and the integration of conflict management strategies that promote fairness, collaboration, and transparency. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how ethical leadership can influence conflict resolution processes and improve overall organizational performance.
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