Regis Misheal Muchowe, MacDonald Isaac Kanyangale

Abstract

The problem of corrupt and unethical practices in SMEs in Zimbabwe has increased calls for ethical leadership practices. In Zimbabwe, we know much about ethical leadership in various contexts and large organizations while there is a lack of ethical leadership research focusing on 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 incorruptible, fair, exemplary, respectful, and sustainable. The study found that the main styles of leadership used by ethical leadership 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 has proposed an ethical leadership framework for adoption by SMEs in Zimbabwe if they are to survive and succeed in a competitive environment.