Abstract

The purpose of this research was 1) to study the ethical leadership characteristics of the administrators at Mahidol University, 2) to examine the ethical organizational climate at Mahidol University, and 3) to explore the influence of ethical leadership on the ethical organizational climate at Mahidol University, and 4) to propose strategies for developing ethical leadership among administrators at Mahidol University that can positively impact ethical organizational climate and its practical implementation. A mixed methods approach was employed by utilizing both questionnaires and interviews as research instruments. The sample consisted of 400 support staff at Mahidol University, who were recruited through a multi-stage sampling technique. Additionally, five administrators, deputy administrators, and unit heads were recruited using snowball sampling to provide recommendations for the proposed strategies. Data were analyzed using percentages, means, standard deviations, confirmatory factor analysis, and content analysis for qualitative data. The research revealed that the ethical leadership characteristics of administrators at Mahidol University encompassed six factors: responsibility, trustworthiness, respect, fairness, good citizenship, and supportiveness. The ethical organizational climate at Mahidol University, on the other hand, comprised five factors: results orientation, rule orientation, legal and professional ethics, concern for others, and self-orientation. Moreover, ethical leadership showed that the strongest direct positive influence on the dimensions of ethical organizational climate was supportiveness and fairness. This was followed by trustworthiness, responsibility, good citizenship, and respect. The proposed strategies for developing ethical leadership included administrators serving as role models by practicing ethical behavior, making fair decisions, communicating organizational governance principles, establishing ethical standards, and ensuring equal treatment and consideration for individuals. These strategies aligned with utilitarian theory, which emphasized maximizing the overall happiness and well-being of individuals as the criterion for judging right and wrong actions.

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