In ethical leadership, credibility grows when leaders keep their promises and act consistently with their stated beliefs.

• A. False
• B. Not sure
• C. True
• D. Partly true

Answer: (C)

Credibility in ethical leadership comes from consistency between what a leader says they value and how they actually behave. Keeping promises is a clear sign of reliability, showing followers that the leader can be trusted to follow through. Acting in line with stated beliefs demonstrates integrity, because actions reflect the values the leader claims to uphold. When both of these happen, people perceive the leader as principled and trustworthy, which strengthens their legitimacy, influence, and ability to guide ethically.

If promises are broken or actions contradict stated beliefs, trust and credibility naturally erode, because observers question the leader’s true motives and commitment. A partial or inconsistent alignment leaves room for doubt, whereas full alignment reinforces a strong, credible ethical stance.