Running head: LEADERSHIP AND SIENA HEIGHTS UNIVERSITYS MISSION

Leadership and Siena Heights Universitys Mission

Randall S. Jobski
Siena Heights University

LEADERSHIP AND SIENA HEIGHTS UNIVERSITYS MISSION

Leadership and Siena Heights Universitys Mission

The mission of Siena Height University is to assist people to become more competent,
purposeful and ethical (Mission and History). And, DuBrin (2013) defines leadership as the
ability to inspire confidence and support among the people who are needed to achieve
organizational goals (p. 2). One question to ask is how the concept of leadership fits with this
mission of Siena Heights University. This paper will review the three traits outlined in this
mission and compare that to the function of leadership.
Competent
Definition
The dictionary defines competent as (a) well qualified; capable; fit, (b) sufficient;
adequate, (c) permissible or properly belonging (Guralnik, 1984, p. 289).
Competent and Leadership
The primary role of a good leader (one who is competent and ethical) is to establish and
reinforce values and purpose, develop vision and strategy, build community, and initiate
appropriate organizational change. (Allio, p. 1071)
Note that in this statement, Allio points out that competence is one of the key traits in a good
leader, and that an outcome of said leadership is appropriate organizational change which aligns
with DuBrins (2013) claim that the actions of leadership achieve organizational goals (p.2).
Hence, this would support that the first trait stated in the mission, i.e. to assist people to become
more competent, fits nicely with the concept of leadership provided by a well-qualified, capable
leader.

LEADERSHIP AND SIENA HEIGHTS UNIVERSITYS MISSION

Purposeful
Definition
The dictionary defines purposeful as (a) resolutely aiming at a specific goal, (b) directed
at a specific end; not meaningless (Guralnik, 1984, p. 1154).
Purposeful and Leadership
Neck and Milliman (1994) share with us that organizations can be important vehicles by
which people create a greater sense of meaning and purpose (Conclusion section, para. 6). And,
organizations, which provide the platform for people to grow in this way, are headed by leaders.
Hence, this would support that the second trait stated in the mission, i.e. to assist people in
becoming more purposeful, fits nicely with the concept of leadership provided by a leader who is
directed at a specific end.
Ethical
Definition
The dictionary defines ethical as (a) having to do with ethics or morality; of or
conforming to moral standards, (b) conforming to the standards of conduct of a given profession
or group (Guralnik, 1984, p. 481).
Ethical and Leadership
Linda, Brown, and Laura (2003) found through the interviewing of corporate ethics
officers and senior executives that ethical leaders are ones
having broad ethical awareness and concerns that include, but extend beyond, bottomline interests to include the good of the organization and the community, and concern

LEADERSHIP AND SIENA HEIGHTS UNIVERSITYS MISSION

about serving the greater good. . . . [and] are also concerned about the interests of
multiple stakeholders, including the community and society (p. 19).
Hence, this would support that the third trait stated in the mission, i.e. to assist people in
becoming more ethical, fits nicely with the concept of leadership provided by a leader who
conforms to moral standards.
Conclusion
The mission of Siena Height University is to assist people to become more competent,
purposeful and ethical (Mission and History) ties in seamlessly with the objectives of
leadership. A leader who is taught to emphasize these traits of being capable and directed at a
specific end while confirming to moral standards will positively affect themselves, their
followers, their organization, and their community.

LEADERSHIP AND SIENA HEIGHTS UNIVERSITYS MISSION

References
Allio, R. J. (2005). Leadership development: Teaching versus learning. Management Decision,
43(7), 1071-1077. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/212064021?
accountid=28644
DuBrin, A. J. (2013). The nature and importance of leadership. In Leadership: Research
findings, practice, and skills (7th Ed., pp. 2). Mason, OH: South-Western.
Guralnik, D. B. (Ed.). (1984). Websters new world dictionary of the American language (2nd
College Ed). New York, NY: New World Dictionaries / Simon and Schuster.
Linda, K. T., Brown, M., & Laura, P. H. (2003). A qualitative investigation of perceived
executive ethical leadership: Perceptions from inside and outside the executive
suite. Human Relations, 56(1), 5-37. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/231481042?accountid=28644
Mission and History. (n.d.). In Siena Heights University website. Retrieved from
http://www.sienaheights.edu/About/MissionHistory.aspx
Neck, C. P., & Milliman, J. F. (1994). Thought self-leadership: Finding spiritual fulfillment in
organizational life. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 9(6), 9. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/215865258?accountid=28644