Corruption - A social disease (Part 141): What do visionary and transformational leaders have in common?

Johan Coetzee - Common characteristics of some of the most visionary and transformational leaders can be applied to reduce injustices in dysfunctional societies and fight against corruption.Visionary leaders are leaders with a dream of a better future. They are able to relate that dream in practical terms.THE EXAMPLE OF GHANDIMahatma Ghandi, the spiritual leader that united Indians in enabling India’s independence and fought for oppressed Indians in South Africa in the 1920/30’s is one example of a leader that inspired people oppressed by an unjust and illegitimate British system. He is one of the greatest - if not the greatest leader ever - because he was not only visionary, transformational and moral, he was against changing any unjust system with any form of violence.Every time Indians resisted the British with aggression and violence, he went on a hunger strike and refused to eat until such violence ended. Numerous times he almost died due to his believe in nonviolence.Ghandi’s actions demonstrated that peoples' minds can be changed with peaceful resistance. Ghandi set his passbook on fire, was beaten up and jailed several times but resisted to retaliate with violence. He was in a class of his own.By setting the example of peaceful resistance, also known as satyagraha (the term coined and developed by Ghandi) meaning "truth" or "holding onto truth" illustrated that a remarkable leader has to do what he says to be credible and respected and that these actions are more important than words. Despite Ghandi not having any title, not wanting to be the Prime Minster, he did not represent any political party – he earned the respect of his own people and his enemy, the British. Ghandi united people and brought the British Empire to its knees.OUR LEADERS, MPs AND SOEsIf we compare Ghandi with some of our most powerful Namibian leaders, some of them have said that they are committed to reduce corruption. However, do we observe such commitment in practice?Do we perceive our Members of Parliament (MPs) in general as humble? Given the attempt to build a new Parliamentary building for a few billion Namibian dollars: Do we perceive our MPs as trying to save costs?In terms of the Companies Act, that stipulates the fiduciary powers of directors (board members): Do we perceive the board members of our 98 State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) as being accountable and liable to the taxpayers? Some SOEs pay extravagant board fees of in excess of N$90 000 per meeting per board member. Do we perceive such board members as acting with care and due diligence based on a foundation of intellectual honesty?re board members being kept liable? If, they are, to whom? Who are the board members that have ended up in jail?How can SOEs pay such fees despite a Ministry of State Owned Enterprises and the State Owned Governance Council which must regulate such fees?Martin Luther King Jr. also used Ghandi's philosophy of no violence in transforming a dysfunctional society. He inspired the neglected black people of America to fight for their rights, such as their right to vote and to be respected. King is well known for his public speech "I have a dream".SERVANT LEADERSHIPWe need leaders in Namibia such as King that people can identify with, that are humble, respectable and moral. Given the arrogance of some of our most powerful leaders: Can the poorest of the poor in Namibia identify with some of them that make derogatory remarks, like calling them "stupid"?Visionary leaders have dreams of a better future for their people that are struggling with enormous challenges. Such leaders have the ability to make such dreams a reality. People can relate to them, they are humble, respectable and credible. Such leaders serve their people – servant leadership.Transformational leaders treat all people as equals and respect all people.References Coetzee, J.J. 2012. Systemic corruption and corrective change management strategies: A study of the co-producers of systemic corruption and its negative impact on socio-economic development. Unpublished PhD dissertation. Stellenbosch: University of Stellenbosch.King, M.E. 2006. The Corporate Citizen. Governance for all Entities. Johannesburg: Penguin Books. jcoetzee@nust.na

Corruption - A social disease (Part 141): What do visionary and transformational leaders have in common?

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Corruption - A social disease (Part 141): What do visionary and transformational leaders have in common?

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