Revisiting Nyerere: Ethical Leadership as a Pillar for Sustainable Development in Tanzania

Abstract

This paper examines the incorporation of ethical leadership within the socialism framework established by Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the founding father of Tanzania, to advance sustainable development in the nation. The study employed a descriptive design utilizing quantitative research methodology. A sample of 484 individuals from various groups, including government, civil society, academia, and corporate sectors in Tanzania, was selected via purposive sampling. Ninety-four (94) completed Google Form questionnaires, which were collected via a link and returned as an Excel sheet. Quantitative data were evaluated using IBM SPSS Statistics version 22 and given as frequencies and percentages. The findings indicated that integrity is a particularly challenging aspect for contemporary leaders to maintain. It is shown that ethical leadership is crucial for attaining sustainable development. It further posited that leaders do not value ethical leadership in decision making. The study found that corruption, insufficient accountability, and political involvement are the three foremost impediments to ethical leadership. Strategies identified for integrating Nyerere’s ethical principles into contemporary leadership in Tanzania include integrity and anti-corruption practices, the promotion of self-reliance and sustainable development, the advancement of national unity and inclusivity, and the incorporation of Nyerere’s ethical philosophy into curricula. The study concludes by contributing to the discourse on ethical leadership, providing ideas that may drive Tanzania towards a more sustainable and equitable future. The report advises leaders to prioritize integrity in everyday management and strengthen ethical leadership standards to attain sustainable development.