A vision for social work leadership: Critical conceptual elements

Abstract

This conceptual paper proposes that social justice and ecological systems thinking offers unique perspectives to frame a vision for social work leadership. The author argues that leadership is underpinned by the profession’s values in its ethical codes: social justice; authenticity; spirituality; servant leadership; personal and professional integrity. An indigenous leadership perspective derived from the bicultural code of ethics connects with organic perceptions of leadership and whole systems and complex adaptive approaches. Tensions between ethics, organisational imperatives, and pervasive new public management requiring future attention are identified.