Special Lecture on Integrity Leadership

The Department of Social work, St Joseph’s College (Autonomous) organised a guest lecture on Integrity leadership on 29^thJune, 2019 at Xavier Hall, PG block. The resource person for the lecture was Prof. Dr. Christoph Stuckelberger. He is the founder and President of Global ethics.net Foundation. He is also a Professor Emeritus of Systemic theology/Ethics at the University of Basel, Switzerland. A psychotherapist by profession, he is also an ordained Protestant Pastor and has been a part of numerous advisory and consultancy boards and organisations. 

Before the lecture, Dr. Stuckelberger had a short meeting with all the faculty members of the Department of Social Work along with the Director for Research, the Registrar, and the Vice-Principal. After being introduced to everyone, Dr. Stuckelberger explained his area of interest. He described the work done by the organisation in educational institutions. For example- preventing ethics violations in research such as plagiarism.After the short discussion there was an official welcoming ceremony followed by the lecture. 

The lecture began with welcome address by the emcee and introduction of the guest by the Social Work Students Association (SWSA) secretary Ms. Sharifa Behsad. After the felicitation of the guests, Rev. Father Principal, Dr. Victor Lobo SJ thanked Dr. Stuckelberger for his presence. Then, Dr. Stuckelberger began his lecture. 

He began his lecture by appreciating Indian spirituality. He then asked the audience three questions:  

1.    What is my study motivation?

2.    Who do I want to be?

3.    What should people say about me after my death? 

He presented a comparison between integrity leadership and abuse of power leadership. He stated that integrity leadership is characterised by trust, rules & controls, credibility, performance and growth. Whereas abuse of power leadership comprises of mistrust, conflicts, abuse of resources, loyalty etc. He pointed out the importance of transition of thinking from ‘me’ to ‘we’ which will result in better functioning of the system. He established 11 qualities for an ethical culture – dignity, freedom, justice, equity, peace, security, community, inclusiveness, participation, forgiveness and reconciliation. He explained why ethics was important in life and while the price of ethics is sacrifice, the gain of ethics is reputation. He explained the role of ethics in 7 areas of life – money, relations, religion, addictions, leadership, community, and family. 

His lecture was followed by an array of questions from both students as well as faculties in the Q&A session. The session was followed by a classical dance performance by the college dance team. Post this, the Head of the Department, Lt. Akshay D. Mandlik extended vote of thanks to the chief guest and organisers of the programme. The programme concluded at 4 PM