Navigating the Dark Side of Leadership: Insights from Nigeria's Public Sector

Abstract

It is established that dark leadership impairs organisational integrity, erodes public trust, and diminishes operational effectiveness. The chapter reviews the endemic problem of dark leadership in the public sector, its manifestations, consequences, and lessons for leaders. Identifiable practices of public institutions are leveraged to discuss the negative implications of unethical attributions on organisational functioning. It identifies upholding ethical standards, fostering transparency, and ensuring robust accountability as mitigation measures against the risk of unethical behaviour. The chapter advocates a culture of integrity, continuous ethics and compliance training, protection for whistleblowers, and optimal internal controls are essential in sustaining ethical leadership. The insights provided are notable for a cross-section of leaders to achieve effective governance and resilient institutions.