DefinePK

Abstract

There is extensive knowledge about ethical leadership in various contexts and large organizations in Zimbabwe. However, there is a notable lack of research on ethical leadership in the SME environment. This qualitative study aimed to develop an ethical leadership framework for Zimbabwe's SME context based on the viewpoint of employees and leaders. Purposive sampling was used to identify 15 employees and leaders in five SMEs in the manufacturing sector in Harare, Zimbabwe. Data were collected using interviews to understand the critical characteristics, styles, and consequences of ethical leadership in SMEs. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data. Results reveal that the five critical characteristics that constitute ethical leadership for SMEs in Zimbabwe are incorruptibility, fairness, exemplarity, respectfulness, and sustainability. The study found that the primary styles of leadership employed by ethical leaders in SMEs in Zimbabwe are authentic leadership and servant leadership. The consequences of ethical leadership in SMEs in Zimbabwe include its benefits to the leadership, followers, and organization. The study proposes an ethical leadership framework for adoption by SMEs in Zimbabwe, enabling them to survive and succeed in a competitive environment.