Title

The Four Umpires: A Paradigm for Ethical Leadership

Authors

Ranjan Karri, Bryant UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Comments

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Keywords

013-002

Abstract

Theories of leadership have traditionally focused on leadership traits, styles, and situational factors that influence leadre behaviors. We propose that The Four Umpires Model described herein, which examines how four leadership types view reality and perception, provides a useful example of an effective steward leader. We use the Five Beliefs Model identified by Edgar Schein and Peter Senge to frame the implicit assumptions underlying the core beliefs and mental models of each of the four unpires. We suggest that the stewardship model of Umpire Number Four, the Facilitating Idealist, is the best model for leadership of the four unpires described. In our review of the Four Umpires Model we also explain why it is important for every leader to thoughtfully assess the assumptions that form the ethical basis for their leadership decisions and actions.