According to leadership theory, what is crucial for effective leaders to maintain?

Strong morals and values are fundamental for effective leaders because they establish trust and credibility within their teams. Leaders who exemplify high ethical standards create an environment where followers feel safe and are more willing to engage, communicate, and collaborate. Integrity also shapes the culture of an organization, promoting sustainable relationships based on respect and accountability.

While adaptability to change is important in leadership, without a strong moral foundation, adaptability can lead to opportunistic behaviors that may undermine team cohesion and trust. A strict hierarchical structure can stifle innovation and discourage open communication, making it less effective in modern leadership practices that favor agile, inclusive approaches. Focusing solely on performance ignores the human aspect of leadership, where values and morals play a significant role in motivating and inspiring team members to achieve collective goals.