Leaders’ Personal Ethics, Ethical Dilemmas, and Conflicts with Organisational Ethics: A Phenomenological Study of Christian Non-Profit Leaders Across Africa and Asia

The study explored how senior leaders within Christian non-profit organisations across Africa and Asia maintain moral behaviour when confronted with conflicts between personal ethics and organisational ethics. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research examined the lived experiences of eight senior leaders serving within Christian non-profit organisations across Africa and Asia.The study revealed eight elements a leader applies in dealing with a personal and organizational ethical dilemma. The elements included making moral decisions; showing compassion; reverting to spirituality and culture as the basis for moral and ethical convictions; doing the right thing and explaining the reason; making extraordinary decisions in extraordinary situations; considering what is at stake, helping stakeholders understand the rationale of choices, and making decisions that honour God; and serving people. A recommendation for further investigation on the influence of culture on personal and organizational ethics among Africans was made.

Utilitarianism, pragmatism, ethics, morals, culture, spirituality, altruism

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