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A BOOK REVIEW

Final Requirements
MBA 209 Effective Leadership and Ethics

Submitted by:
Rey Karl Cezar & Ken Cedric Capulong

Title: Investigating the effect of ethical leadership on effectiveness

Author: Ronel van Wyk
 The book to be reviewed was a research in which it aims to explore the
basis of ethical foundation utilized by Mr. Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan (The
Minister of Finance in South Africa) and weather his ethical foundation has an
impact on his effectiveness as a leader. The research is very timely for South
Africa’s political condition because that country’s government allegedly facing
to fraud, corruption and unethical activities and behavior which was a threat to
the future prospect of democracy within South Africa. The author of the book
wants the readers to understand the significance, value and implications of
ethical and effective leadership in an organization.
One of the highlights of the book was the most important characteristic
of an ethical leader which is the ability to “walk-the-walk” or leading by
example and the so called “practicing what you preach” and being consistent
as a leader. Although there are many more traits, the three mentioned earlier
must be on the list. On this research, respondents came from a government
department which is South African Revenue Service (SARS) and they are
Executives and Senior Managers. All of the respondents telling that Mr. Gordhan
is perfect example of an ethical and ideal leader. They describe Mr. Gordhan as
a selfless, hard-working, honest, able to time the appropriateness of his
actions, fair in the way in which he handles conflict and able to empower
others. Mr. Gordhan zero tolerance to corruption also emphasized. Overall, Mr.
Gordhan can be defined as an authentic leader as far as conduct and behavior
is concern. Mr. Gordhan’s view on ethical leadership greatly affect on how his
subordinates works and behave but also it says that even somebody is highly
ethical he could be compromised just by the system of such organization.
The data from the book is very realistic because it came from interviews,
direct observations and document analysis to obtain in-depth information and it
adds to the integrity of the research. One thing I am concern about as a
reviewer of the book as if they include respondents from public people or from
an individual or from media or from a private entity, would the data be the
same? Would be Mr. Gordhan will be considered as an ethical leader?
But in overall this book is really great in teaching readers the true traits of
an ethical leader and how Mr. Gordhan became an effective leader and how
they consider Him as an ethical one.
 At the late part of the book, the author attached their conversations
regarding their interview question and answers. So, the readers can fully
understand all the details of their conversations.
This book is highly recommended for everyone who was still looking for
the meaning of true leadership and being an ethical leader.