The role of ethical leadership in building influence: Perspectives from female public relations professionals

Practices of ethical leadership in public relations can be context-specific and they can influence organizational effectiveness. By conducting a national survey, this study examines female public relations professionals’ perspectives on ethical leadership. The results suggest that the majority of female professionals feel ready and confident in providing ethics counseling as needed. Most importantly, the highest ranked public relations leaders’ ethical conduct help reinforce female professionals’ ethical practice. Female professionals indicate it is necessary to use multiple strategies to build and enact influence as an ethical leader in public relations. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.