Chief executive Quote by Edward F. Hennessey
“Ethics must begin at the top of an organization. It is a leadership issue and the chief executive must set the example.”
About This Quote
Ethical behavior must start at the top; leaders set the moral tone for the whole organization.
In simple terms: Leadership defines organizational ethics.
Key Takeaway
Leaders should model ethical conduct.
Themes
leadership
ethics
corporate culture
Mood
inspirational
pragmatic
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- executive training
- policy development
- employee onboarding
Key Concepts
moral authority
role modeling
Questions to Reflect On
- How can employees influence top leadership?
- What mechanisms enforce ethical leadership?
A Different Perspective
Bottom‑up ethics can also be powerful.
