Scientific foundations on ethics and educational leadership at the Higher Education

Reflexión sobre la ética y el liderazgo educativo a nivel de la Educación Superior

Abstract

Leadership is not only based on experience, but also on ethical behaviors and attitudes that foster optimal performance in Higher Education. This article presents the importance of ethics and educational leadership based on the aspects that impact a leader's behavior, supported by a sustainability perspective, as it acquires a formative meaning. Ethics is addressed from a leadership perspective, as well as the qualities, principles, and activities of the educational leader in Higher Education. The research, with a qualitative approach and documentary review, is supported by methods such as analytical-synthetic, the transition from abstraction to generalization, hermeneutic, and documentary analysis. Combined with theoretical and methodological systematization and a state-of-the-art evaluation matrix, this approach favors the fulfillment of the study objectives. The results demonstrate that leadership is not limited to senior management; any member of a Higher Education institution can manifest it. Effective leadership translates into the fulfillment of goals and objectives and promotes an environment where faculty, administrators, and university students achieve more with this guidance. It is concluded that, in terms of the meaning of education, it is about guiding the educational community and those who manage educational processes toward improving quality, the organizational climate, and culture, fostering personal growth. Continuing education and the development of ethical competencies are crucial for leadership in educational institutions.