Ethical Academic Leadership: Lessons from Ancient Times
Friedman, Hershey H. and Friedman, L. W. (2008). Ethical Academic Leadership: Lessons from Ancient Times. The John Ben Shepperd Journal of Practical Leadership, 3, Spring, 19-27.
9 Pages Posted: 14 Oct 2013
Date Written: May 1, 08
Abstract
This paper demonstrates that much can be learned about ethical academic leadership from the great teachers living in ancient times, especially Confucius and Hillel. Those who desire to follow in their footsteps should be humble, gentle, extremely patient with people, and love humanity. They should not be motivated by fame, but possess a strong desire to spread wisdom and morality throughout the world. Moreover, they should recognize that education is for everyone, not just the elite. Finally, the negative version of the Golden Rule, i.e., “What is hateful to you do not do to others,” should be the philosophy that guides their life.
Keywords: Ethical leadership, academic leadership, Confucius, Hillel, Golden Rule
JEL Classification: A22, A23, D81, G18, G21, I20, L20, L21, M14, M19, M31, Q20, Q38
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation