Examining Ethical Leadership in Asia through the Lens of Academics.

While cross-cultural research has identified universally accepted ethical leadership characteristics, Eastern cultural traditions, philosophical views, and religious beliefs suggest culturally specific characteristics. Academics in Asia offer valuable insights into underexplored Eastern ethical leadership, contributing through both scholarship and pivotal leadership roles. As educators, they shape environments that foster student learning, growth, and potential leadership in multinational organisations. We conducted interviews with 21 academics from 15 countries across South, Southeast, and East Asia to explore Eastern ethical leadership. We found that the characteristics identified as important by our interviewees reflect the nature and context of societies in Asia. For instance, caring for individuals is an important characteristic in societies that emphasise collectivism, as is showing concern for the welfare of the wider community, particularly when poverty is prevalent. Our interviewees are influential leaders with experience, who have a significant impact on shaping and disseminating knowledge across industries. Their perspectives, therefore, enhance Western-dominated views on ethical leadership prevalent in Aotearoa/New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]