Problem: There exists a lack of moral leadership at all levels of human society. Solution: Develop the most essential capabilities that characterise effective moral leadership.

At the heart of the global crisis currently afflicting humanity there exists a pervasive lack of moral leadership at all levels of human society, as sadly indicated by the increasing evidences of ethical laxity and corruption found among officials of the highest levels of society in both public and private institutions throughout the world. Yet if ever there were a time in history when the whole world was in most need of effective moral leadership, today is that time. For this is the first time in history that the survival of the entire human race is at risk. Therefore, it is of great importance to identify and discuss some of the most essential capabilities that characterise effective moral leadership; capabilities that should be fostered and developed within the family and the school by a comprehensive and integrated program of moral education.

MORAL LEADERSHIP

It is necessary to clarify what is meant by moral leadership. The definition of the term "leadership" has many different connotations, some of which are contrary to the meaning used in this paper. When people are asked what it means to be a leader, they often respond with ideas like the following: "to be in charge or control", "to give orders", "to be in command", "to be number one". To meet the needs of humanity in this stage of maturity, this prevailing concept of leadership needs to be questioned and replaced with a concept that is centred on service.

SERVICE

The goal of such new leadership is the empowerment of others to contribute to society, rather than the concentration of power over others. The primary characteristic of a moral leader should be the spirit of service: "he who serves the community most" rather than "he who dominates the community most". Egocentric forms of leadership have unfortunately dominated the pages of history and tend to prevail in current world affairs. Autocratic, paternalistic, totalitarian, manipulative and "know-it-all" modes of leadership disempower the groups they claim to serve. Such leadership forms concentrate decision-making power in the hands of a few so that others will serve them. What the world needs now is exactly the opposite of this approach - a new type of leadership that is based on moral values and principles and that sincerely devotes its capabilities to the service of the common good. There is a twofold purpose to human life that provides direction and meaning to existence.

The first aspect of this twofold purpose is related to the process of personal transformation. The aim of this purpose is to transform the latent potentialities of the individual into a living reality, in which the physical, intellectual and spiritual aspects of the human being may attain their fullest and most noble expression. The fulfilment of this purpose requires the constant exertion of individual effort in the search for truth and acquisition and application of knowledge, wisdom, virtues, and spiritual qualities in all the aspects of daily life.

The second aspect of this purpose has to do with the complex process of social transformation. The ultimate aim of this process is the promotion of an ever advancing civilisation based on principles of justice and love. The development of a just society, in which the common good is fostered through structures that facilitate collaboration and co-operation, and in which the benefits of individual initiative and creativity are safeguarded and encouraged, is indeed the challenging and highly complex task facing humanity. These two aspects of the purpose of human existence are intimately inter-related. On the one hand, it is impossible to conceive of social transformation without individuals, who are actively engaged in the process of personal transformation, working towards its achievement. On the other hand, it is likewise impossible to achieve personal transformation in a social vacuum. Only when an individual is engaged in serving the processes of social transformation can he develop his highest and most noble potentialities. In our framework of moral education, truth forms the basis for defining moral responsibility. It is proposed that there are two fundamental moral responsibilities that every individual must fulfil:

1. the search for and recognition of truth, and

2) the application of truth in the processes of individual and social transformation, and in all other aspects of daily life. When each individual sincerely strives to fulfil these two moral responsibilities, then the light of truth can guide the fulfilment of the twofold purpose of human existence. By "truth" we do not limit our meaning to only that which is discovered by scientific research, but also we refer to the spiritual truth that has been revealed by the great religions of the world, which has provided the moral and spiritual basis for human civilization. These two sources of truth are not contradictory, but rather complementary. Both are needed for the promotion of an ever-advancing civilization.

At this point it is necessary to further clarify what is meant by the term "capabilities" as used in this paper, and why the development of capacities is a central concern in our approach to moral education.

Traditional approaches to moral education - whether the development of character or virtues - tend to promote a passive concept of the moral person. To be moral is to be "good," to keep out of trouble. We want to change this concept to one in which the moral person is an individual who is consciously and actively engaged in performing actions that promote individual and social transformation. Thus, to be moral is to "DO good". This concept of the moral person implies that the moral person must possess certain capabilities that empower him to perform moral actions.

The building blocks of an individual’s moral structure include attitudes, qualities, skills and abilities, as well as knowledge and understanding of essential moral concepts. Rather than examining these attributes individually, it is useful to consider them in related groups that make up a major moral function of an individual - a moral capacity. A capability is the ability of a person to perform specific types of actions that are essential to individual and collective development and well-being.

Sociological studies indicate that there are two basic functions of leadership within a group. One function has to do with promoting the unity of the group. The effective promotion of unity requires the ability to facilitate consultative processes that allow collective decision-making based on a rigorous and sincere search for truth. The other has to do with promoting the fulfilment of the goals or needs of the group through actions. This has to do with facilitating the process of carrying thoughts into action. Both functions are essential for the life and well-being of any group, whether it be a family, an organisation, or a local, national, or world community. CAPABILITIES OF MORAL LEADERSHIP

The first capability of moral leadership is continuous learning in the acquisition of human perfections, both in the intellectual and spiritual spheres. First and foremost among human perfections is the acquisition of knowledge that is useful for the progress and development of humanity. But this endeavour must be balanced with the understanding that the true excellence of the individual cannot be attained, except through service to the common good.

The second moral capability has to do with the activity of educating others. This capability refers to teaching one’s acquired wisdom, knowledge, and skill to others. A true moral leader is one who bends his efforts towards the education of the masses, and works day and night until all are sheltered within the stronghold of knowledge. A moral leader empowers others in their service to humanity. The third capability has to do with inner discipline and self-control. This refers to the capability of opposing one’s passions, which is not an easy capability to develop, especially in an environment that is dominated by the corrupting influences of materialistic society. It is precisely the lack of discipline that is one of the most conspicuous characteristics of consumer society. The fourth capability has to do with the duty to recognise and obey truth. The ultimate basis of moral conduct is the recognition of and obedience to truth. When a man does not place himself above truth, then, and only then, can he become truly trustworthy. True moral leadership recognises and understands the function of laws in developing and maintaining a civilised and just society. For this reason, a true moral leader would never place himself above the law. Even if he should think that a law is unjust, he would never deign to use violent means for change, but rather would seek to change the law through appropriate legal measures that are designed for this purpose.

The four capabilities are inter-related and mutually supportive. The acquisition of one facilitates the acquisition of the others. Together they form the basic structure of the character of the moral man and of the true moral leadership needed in the world today.

Eloy Anello

Eloy Anello is the founder of the University of Nur in Bolivia. This is a partial summary of an article, "The Capabilities of Moral Leadership" published in "A New Framework for Moral Education" edited by Iraj Ayman, Asr-i-Jadid Publisher (1995).

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