Kim Woods ONLY

The philosophy of Kantianism was developed by German philosopher, Immanuel Kant (1724-1804), and is comprised of a simple set of rules that argues that “moral duties and imperatives are categorical – they should be obeyed without exception” (Johnson, 2016, p. 42). In this regard, Kantian’s believe a leader should always do what is morally and ethically right despite the consequences. Johnson (2016) further explains that the philosophy of Kantianism is essentially egalitarian, in that “what is right for one is right for all” (p. 42). Essentially, there is a moral obligation in maintaining consistency in behavior, respect, and dignity of all people, and violating these rights would be unethical and is “disrespectful and deny human value and potential” (Johnson, 2016, p. 43).

In the journal article, A Kantian theory of leadership, Bowie (2000) discusses Kant’s moral philosophy, noting, “leaders need not use followers as means to their own ends” (p. 185). In the article, Bowie (2000) uses Wall Street to highlight the temptations of using followers as a means to influence the stock market to benefit shareholders. Although competitive pressures to use stakeholders to inflate the value of a stock and increase shareholder wealth can be overwhelming, Kantian beliefs declare “such practices would not be genuinely moral acts. Such actions would not result from good will” (Bowie, 2000, p.185). Moreover, Bowie (2000) emphasizes that Kantian morals and choices should be “consistent with reason, and that the action should be based on a maxim that can be universally endorsed and followed” (p. 186). In short, articulating that to be morally accepted by Kantians, the techniques that should be adopted and implemented on Wall Street should do more than merely increase the wealth of the shareholders.

To conclude, I do not completely embrace all facets of the moral philosophy of Kantianism, specifically in regards to using followers as a means to an end. Using Bowie’s (2000) example to expand on my stance, using shareholders to increase stock market value and profits is one of the major factors driving the economy. Conversely, I do agree with Bowie (2000) in that “a central task of the leader is to respect and enhance autonomy of followers. The Kantian leader teaches followers to become leaders” (p. 192). As leaders, it is our responsibility to grow more leaders, and one way of doing that in through followership, and mentoring those you lead to not only follow the orders delivered to achieve a goal, but to take the reigns and lead in their own right. In essence, this aspect of the Kantian philosophy demonstrates “the ‘how to be’ leader knows that people are the organizations greatest asset and in a word, behavior, and relationships she or he demonstrates this powerful philosophy.” (Bowie, 2000, p. 192).