Abstract

Leadership in public life occupies a central position in shaping the moral political and social direction of societies. Ethical leadership is not merely a desirable quality but a fundamental necessity for ensuring trust legitimacy and effectiveness in public institutions. In an era marked by political polarization corruption scandals administrative inefficiency and declining public trust the relationship between leadership and ethics has become more significant than ever. This research paper examines the conceptual foundations of leadership and ethics in public life tracing their philosophical origins theoretical frameworks and practical implications. It explores how ethical leadership contributes to good governance democratic accountability social justice and sustainable development. The study also analyzes contemporary challenges such as corruption abuse of power ethical dilemmas in policymaking and the impact of globalization and digital governance on ethical standards. By integrati