Ethical Leadership in Transition: A Generational Divide in a Post-Soviet Kazakhstan

There is limited research on understanding the generational differences in leadership perspectives. These differences lead to misunderstandings between leaders and stakeholders within business contexts, especially regarding ethics in leadership. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the post-Soviet region is experiencing a transition in socially preferred leadership behaviors. Through inductive methods of analysis, this study in post-Soviet Kazakhstan reveals how an individual’s upbringing and exposure to different ideologies shaped their personal ethical framework, which then informs their leadership behaviors. The findings indicate older leaders in Kazakhstan often exhibit consequentialist ethics through autocratic or transactional leadership behaviors that were favored during the Soviet era. Conversely, younger leaders generally demonstrate a deontological ethical framework embodying democratic or transformational leadership behaviors. Drawing on habitus and social learning theories, the discussion centers on how generational differences in ethical leadership perspectives are reflective of a person’s respective era of upbringing. This study contributes to the understanding of ethical leadership by addressing the cultural and historical influences on generational differences, a perspective often overlooked in Western-centric research. Implications for business leaders, educators, and policymakers are discussed. Future research, including the need for longitudinal studies, cross-cultural comparisons, and investigations into emerging perspectives across multiple contexts, are offered.