Running Head: GROUP 3 FORUM 6
Group 3 Forum 6
David McCready
Liberty University
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Abstract
This research paper identifies the three key concepts of integrity, courage and wisdom
and their correlation to organizational management and leadership. The research
consisted of reading the assigned course work, outside peer reviewed articles and the
bible. Each source provided a unique look at integrity, courage, and wisdom and their
relevance in the organizational management and leadership environment. This research
paper will examine and demonstrate the importance of integrity, courage and wisdom
service to organizational management and leadership as well as their relationship to
biblical principles.
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Group 3 Forum 6
Leadership requires great personal character. Character is built over a lifetime
and is rooted in personal integrity, personal courage and wisdom. Psalms 37:30 (English
Standard Version) states “The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue
speaks justice.” The following paragraphs will attempt to define the key concepts of
integrity, courage and wisdom, and demonstrate their role in organizational management,
leadership and their relevance to a Christian worldview.
Integrity
Personal integrity is commonly talked about, but what does it really mean?
According to Dees (2013) Integrity is “Doing what’s right, legally, and morally” (p. 81).
Integrity is grounded in personal principles. For Christians, principles are rooted in the
absolute truths of the bible. Proverbs 11:3 (English Standard Version) states “The
integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys
them.” Toledo-Pereyra (2006) summarizes the necessity for integrity by saying “Without
integrity… …trust, belief, and understanding would be completely eliminated and every
action would be entirely meaningless” (p. 3). Personal integrity builds relationships and
the faith subordinates place in their leaders.
Courage
Courage is “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger,
fear, or difficulty” (Merriam-Webster, 2018). To exhibit courage requires a conscious
choice to overcome fear or difficulty. 1st John 4:18b states “but perfect love casts out
fear”. According to Dees (2013) “warriors fight ferociously and courageously for their
battle buddies next to them and for their loved ones…” (p. 90). Courage flows from a
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love of someone or something greater than ourselves. Courage can manifest in many
forms including physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, and relational courage (Dees,
2013, p.13). The type of courage one needs is dependant on the type of fear they must
overcome. However, blind courage can quickly turn to folly and must be measured with
wisdom (Dees, 2013, p. 114).
Wisdom
Wisdom is “integration of advanced cognitive, reflective, and affective
personality characteristics” (Zacher, Pearce, Rooney, & McKenna, 2014, p. 171). Puts
simply, wisdom is good sense. According to Dees (2013), wisdom is the bridge between
character and competence (p. 112). This means character and competence work together
to create balance in actions. Proverbs 4:6 states “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will
protect you; love her, and she will watch over you”. Wisdom provides balance in the
decision making process and allows leaders to discern the best course of action (Dees,
2013, p. 120). Leaders who seek wisdom naturally develop a deeper hunger for
knowledge.
Conclusion
Leadership demands more of an individual than simply following does. Leaders
are responsible not only for themselves, but for the well being of there subordinates.
Good leaders exercise integrity in all aspects of their life, especially when no one is
listening. Good leaders are courageous in the face of fear and balance that courage with
wisdom. Great leaders constantly seek wisdom, knowing that it is wisdom that is the
measure of their success.
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References
Courage [Def. 1]. (2018). In Merriam-Webster. Retrieved February 21, 2018, from
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/competent
Dees, R. F. (2013). Resilient leaders. San Diego: Creative Team Pub.
Toledo-Pereyra, L. H. (2006). integrity. Investigative Surgery, 19(1), 1-3.
10.1080/08941930500542397
Zacher, H., Pearce, L. K., Rooney, D., & McKenna, B. (2014). Leaders' personal wisdom
and leader-member exchange quality: The role of individualized
consideration. Journal of Business Ethics, 121(2), 171-187. 10.1007/s10551-013-
1692-4
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