| The purpose of this research was to develop new knowledge about the importance of ethical principles for educational leadership. There is general concern among many researchers about current trends of unethical behavior as demonstrated by prominent leaders in many fields. The review of the literature illustrates the importance of educational leaders as models of ethical behavior. Educational leaders have a unique and considerable moral obligation to fulfill their role as models for ethical behavior.;The review of the literature describes the historical background for ethics, a description of current ethical issues in the United States, the connection between ethics and leadership, and specific implications for educational leadership. Ethics has been a topic of concern throughout history. The literature indicates a strong relationship between successful leadership and ethical behavior. Educational organizations have a special obligation to model ethics for the benefit of instructing our youth. Society cannot hope to become more ethical if school leaders behave unethically. Research confirms a serious lack of professional training for educational leaders in the moral and ethical dimensions of administration.;This study utilized a Delphi methodology to anonymously survey opinions of a widespread group of students and graduates of the Fielding Graduate University doctoral Educational Leadership and Change program. Electronic mail was used as the medium to recruit participants and disseminate the initial survey and the subsequent iterative rounds of the Delphi study. For Round 1 participants responded to the question, "What ethical principles are important for educational leadership?" For Round 2 all responses were compiled and participants rated each ethical principle on a 7-point Likert scale. For Round 3 participants received the average score for each ethical principle and their original rating. After participants rated the items again, the final rank-ordered list of ethical principles important for educational leadership was published and disseminated.;Findings of this study include a prioritized list of the most important ethical principles for educational leadership. Critical thinking emerged as the most important ethical principle for educational leadership. Critical thinking includes many other ethical principles, including ethical character traits and ethical behaviors. |
