Ethical Leadership and Good Governance in Nigerian Local Governments

Ethical Leadership and Good Governance in Nigerian Local Governments by Bartholomew Okagbue Okechukwu Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University December, 2012 Abstract Research literature identifies ethical leadership, a leadership grounded in ethical normsResearch literature identifies ethical leadership, a leadership grounded in ethical norms and practice, as a critical vehicle for achieving organizational goals and fostering good governance. However, little research on leadership has focused on the public sector, leaving a gap in the literature. Leadership in governance is a concern in local government in Nigeria; in spite of the 1976 reforms, the country still lacks good governance and corresponding socioeconomic development. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore an ethical leadership model, and determine how such a model could inspire and sustain good governance in Nigerian local government administration. Ethical theories of utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics comprised the theoretical frameworks for this study. Research questions focused on the ways in which Nigerian local council officials attempted to foster and sustain good governance via ethical leadership. Face-to-face interviews with open-ended questions were conducted with 25 civil service employees purposefully selected from a local government. Data were analyzed by identifying themes utilizing constant comparison; these themes included honesty, concern for people, citizen participation, accountability, transparency, and rule of law. Results indicated a preference for an ethical leadership style, with the potential to harness resources to develop Nigeria’s socioeconomic situation and improve the quality of governance. The implications for positive social change lie in informing public officials of the value and attributes of an ethical leadership style as well as training institutional leaders on this model. As ethical leadership is fostered in public administration, socioeconomic and human development may follow. Ethical Leadership and Good Governance in Nigerian Local Governments by Bartholomew Okagbue Okechukwu Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University December, 2012 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 1346 UMI 3547223 Published by ProQuest LLC (2012). Copyright in the Dissertation held by the Author. UMI Number: 3547223 Dedication To special memory of my dear parents: Celestine and Victoria Okagbue. Acknowledgments First and foremost my special appreciation goes to the Almighty God who provided me with the means and the good heath that enabled me to successfully navigate through this academic journey. My special gratitude goes to Dr. Patricia Ripoll, my mentor and the Chair of my Committee, for all her support and encouragement. Also, I am very grateful to Dr. Karl Wolfe, my committee member, for his meticulous reviews. Special thanks go to Dr. Anthony Leisner, the University Research Reviewer (URR). Special appreciation goes to the late Most Rev. Dr Albert. K. Obiefuna, the Archbishop emeritus of Onitsha Archdiocese, Nigeria, who endorsed my further studies in the United States and to the current Archbishop, Most Rev. Dr Valerian. M. Okeke for his support. I thank Dr. Robert A. Dibie, Dean of Department of Public Affairs, Indiana University Kokoma for his insightful ideas and suggestions at the developing stage of the study. My special thanks also go to Mrs. Ifeoma Egbosi for her special assistance. Also, I am grateful to Mr. Julius Akubue for his expertise, review, critique, and suggestions. I own my appreciation to my schoolmates Dr. Uche Ekwo, Dr. Chuks Nweke, and Dr. “Zee” Madueke for the exceptional exchange of ideas and assistance that occurred during the course of this study. Not to forget my family and many friends who via moral support have contributed to the successful completion of this study, I salute you all.