ETHICAL LEADERSHIP AND RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT AS LEVERS FOR IMPROVEMENT IN SECURITY, EMERGENCY AND DEFENCE ORGANISATIONS

Abstract

Society expects the heads of institutions to uphold an ongoing ethical
commitment and to manage public and private organisations with the
greatest level of responsibility possible. This expectation is reflected in
legislative reforms in Spain and in the growing implementation of the
current Spanish strategy for social responsibility by the Public Administration.

This paper sets out the proactive role that ethical leadership and social
responsibility should play as two levers for improvement in the running
and management of security and defence institutions in Spain, as well
as for helping to promote the commitment, innovation and quality of
public services.

The exercise of ethical leadership is based on justice, respect for people,
transparency, participation and sustainability. A culture of responsibility
should be developed in line with the current Spanish strategy for
social responsibility in order to foster the improvement of institutions
at all levels, an increase in efficiency, and the provision of a better service
to society