Political Leadership as Ethics of Care in Public Organization Management in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This paper analyses the political leadership as ethics of care in managing public organizations in Zimbabwe. The ethical conduct of politicians is a critical ingredient in democratic governance as ethics maybe viewed as the standards of accountability within public activities. Political leadership often has a larger portion in both organizational social and economic influence hence, it is neutral and inherently a necessary component of organizational functioning. Managing politically engenders mundane success of organizations as this fosters a democratic environment within organizations. This situation implies caring of other people’s interest and encourages leaders to perform their duties and fulfill their responsibility of others. Politics can also be functional in ways that are beneficial for more than just a politically skilled and political motivated minority and provide a basis of organizational competitive advantage. Public organizations in Zimbabwe are perceived as the cornerstone of economic growth but, the interference of political elite jeopardizes the entire functional process. The study employed a qualitative analysis obtaining data from secondary sources from different research studies focusing on political leadership with ethics of care. Findings from the study revealed that political leaders’ behaviors focus practically on self-interest and hypocritically spread an ethics of care word to the community. The study as a result recommended a wholesome approach in leadership with ethics of care. This paper suggests political leadership with ethics of care.