Evaluating and Assessing the Ethical Leadership Framework for Air Force Leader Development

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the assessment plan for the validation and implementation of the Ethical
Leadership Framework (ELF) for leader development in the Air Force. The ELF, informed by research on
leader and ethical leadership development, views all leadership within an ethical context, and strategic
leadership capacities (e.g., absorptive, strategic, decision-making) are conceptualized as capacities that
are also inherently ethical capacities. The ELF will be used, over the next five years, to inform curriculum
development at Air University (AU), the lead agent for Air Force education. Prior to beginning the
curriculum development process, however, the first task is to validate the conceptual framework. Second,
guided by the framework and associated competencies, we will conduct a baseline assessment to identify
and describe the leadership knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSA) currently represented in Air University
students (e.g., officer, enlisted, civilian cohorts and faculty). The results of the baseline assessment
will inform the development of curriculum to reinforce existing strengths and seeks to provide
additional education and training, and structure for areas of growth within the framework of the
Ethical Leadership Framework.