Which trait is essential in ethical leadership for orientation leaders?

• A. Integrity
• B. Aggressiveness
• C. Indifference
• D. Dishonesty

Answer: (A)

Integrity is the foundation of ethical leadership because it means your actions match your words, which builds trust with new students and the broader campus community. As an orientation leader, you’re a representative and a role model, so people look to you to see fairness, transparency, and accountability in how you handle information, conflicts, and mistakes. When you act with integrity, you create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where newcomers feel guided and valued rather than misled or pressured.

Aggressiveness can push people away and create a coercive atmosphere, which conflicts with the supportive, collaborative tone orientation aims for. Indifference signals a lack of care for others’ needs or concerns, undermining the supportive culture students rely on. Dishonesty erodes trust entirely and damages credibility, making it impossible to lead effectively or represent the program honestly.