Exploring the role of ethical leadership and personality traits in shaping ethical behavior among Ugandan security officers

Purpose The study investigates the mediating role of ethical leadership on the association between personality traits and ethical behavior among police officers in Uganda. The primary aim is to understand how personality traits influence ethical behavior and the role ethical leadership plays in this dynamic. Design/methodology/approach Employing a quantitative, descriptive research design, data were collected through convenience sampling from 259 police officers across various stations. A self-administered questionnaire comprising closed-ended questions was utilized to assess the officers’ personality traits, ethical behavior and ethical leadership, with responses measured on a five-point Likert scale. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with Smart PLS software, incorporating bootstrapping techniques to evaluate direct and indirect effects among the constructs. Findings The findings indicate a positive association between personality traits and ethical behavior, with ethical leadership significantly mediating this relationship. Practical implications Specifically, officers with favorable personality traits are more likely to engage in ethical behavior, facilitated by the presence of ethical leadership. These results emphasize the necessity of promoting ethical leadership to enhance the ethical conduct of police officers in Uganda. Originality/value This research contributes original insights into the interplay between personality traits, ethical leadership and ethical behavior within the Ugandan police context. The practical implications suggest that law enforcement agencies should prioritize ethical leadership development initiatives, as these can significantly enhance ethical standards among officers, thereby improving the overall integrity of the police force and fostering public trust.