Twelve key factors for the effective development of police leadership: an ethical, rhetorical, and legitimizing perspective

Abstract

Exercising leadership within a police organization, or occupying a mid-level leadership position, is by no means a straightforward task, particularly within the complex and dynamic socio-political landscape of the present day. Individuals entrusted with such responsibilities are subject to constant scrutiny and accountability, whether they are consciously aware of it or not. Their legitimacy is, to a significant extent, contingent upon both their actions and their discourse. In contemporary contexts, leadership is no longer, if it ever was, merely a matter of issuing commands, giving orders, or managing directives. A leader, beyond possessing strategic vision, interpersonal networks, technical knowledge, and operational competence, must also cultivate a set of ethical and interpersonal virtues. These qualities are essential for inspiring others, forging collective purpose, and fostering a strong sense of belonging and institutional pride. A leader’s character, moral integrity, and exemplarity play a decisive role in determining the success of any organizational initiative. Accordingly, the humanities—particularly ethics and rhetoric—serve as foundational pillars for a leadership model oriented toward excellence and human flourishing, both at the individual and collective levels.