Question 6: Reflect on Mark 10:41-45, and discuss how the principles of

servant leadership can be integrated into public management practices to

promote ethical governance and social responsibility. (25 marks)

Mark 10:41-45 presents a key teaching moment where Jesus redefines the
concept of leadership. In this passage, the disciples are engaged in a dispute
about who among them should hold the highest position of authority in the
coming kingdom. Jesus uses this opportunity to challenge their
understanding of greatness, shifting the focus from power and privilege to
service and humility. He emphasizes that leadership is not about lording over
others but serving them with selflessness and compassion. According to
verse 43, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant
and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all."

This principle of servant leadership provides a foundation for ethical

governance and social responsibility. By prioritizing the needs of others over
self-interest, leaders can create systems that promote equity, integrity, and
accountability. The integration of servant leadership into public management
practices has the potential to transform governance by encouraging trust,
addressing societal needs and ensuring sustainable development. As
Greenleaf (1977) alludes in his theory of servant leadership, the leader's
primary motivation and role should be serving others which align with the
biblical call to humility and service. In public management, servant
leadership principles can be used to promote transparency, inclusivity, and
social justice.

The following section focuses on understanding Servant Leadership

Principles in Mark 10:41-45. The principle of humility is central to servant
leadership, as reflected in Mark 10:41-45. Jesus teaches that true leaders are
those who serve others rather than dominate or seek personal gain. In verse
42, Jesus contrasts the worldly leadership model, where rulers "lord it over"
their subjects with the godly model of leadership that calls for humility. By
emphasizing service over status, Jesus challenges leaders to adopt an
approach that values others above themselves. As Philippians 2:3-4 echoes,
leaders should "do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit" but should
consider others more significant.

In public management, humility translates to leaders engaging with

communities openly and valuing their contributions to governance
processes.

Sacrifice is another core element of servant leadership highlighted in this

passage. Jesus states that "the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to
serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). This
emphasizes that true leadership involves putting the needs of others above
personal comfort, even to the point of personal cost. In governance, this
principle can inspire leaders to prioritize societal welfare over personal or
political gain, demonstrating commitment to public service. For example,
leaders who sacrifice short-term popularity to implement long-term,
sustainable policies embody this principle. Such actions align with the ethical
standards of servant leadership, as noted by Greenleaf (1977), who argues
that sacrifice is essential for the greater good.

The principle of service orientation reinforces that leadership is not about

power but about helping others thrive. Jesus redefines greatness by
associating it with service, stating, "Whoever wants to become great among
you must be your servant" (Mark 10:43). This service-oriented leadership
calls for leaders to empower and support those they lead creating an
environment where all can flourish. In public management, a service
orientation means developing policies and programs that address societal
challenges and promote equity. Leaders who view their role as a means to
uplift their constituents align with this biblical principle ensuring their actions
reflect ethical and inclusive governance practices.
Building on the principles of humility, sacrifice and service orientation
outlined in Mark 10:41-45, servant leadership can be integrated into public
management practices to promote ethical governance and social
responsibility. These principles challenge traditional hierarchical approaches
by emphasizing the leader’s role as a servant to the people, ensuring that
governance prioritizes the common good. Through application of these
ideals, public managers can transform their institutions into models of
transparency, equity and inclusivity which are essential for sustainable
development and trust in leadership.

Ethical Governance is a cornerstone of applying servant leadership in public

management. Leaders inspired by the humility and service orientation of
servant leadership should prioritize transparency, fairness and accountability
in their operations. This involves creating systems that ensure public
resources are used responsibly to meet citizens' needs. For instance,
establishing anti-corruption frameworks can prevent the misuse of funds,
thereby protecting community welfare. Transparency International
emphasizes that corruption erodes public trust and undermines
development; therefore, servant leaders must act decisively to uphold
integrity in governance.

The principle of social responsibility emphasizes the need for leaders to

address societal challenges and promote equity, aligning closely with the
sacrificial aspect of servant leadership. Leaders who embody this principle
focus on policies that uplift vulnerable populations ensuring that no one is
left behind. For example, implementing community engagement programs
allows citizens to participate in decision-making processes giving voice to
marginalized groups. Such initiatives reflect the biblical call to serve others
selflessly and ensure their welfare. In practice, this could involve prioritizing
healthcare access for underserved communities or developing educational
programs for disadvantaged populations. As Greenleaf (1977) posits, servant
leaders must consider whether their actions improve the well-being of those
they serve, particularly the least privileged.

Collaborative Leadership is rooted in the servant leader’s humility,

emphasizes inclusivity in decision-making processes. By valuing and
incorporating diverse perspectives, leaders can create policies that better
reflect the needs and aspirations of their communities. Participatory
budgeting, for instance, is a practical application of this principle in local
governments. This approach enables citizens to directly influence the
allocation of public funds ensuring that their priorities are addressed.
Collaboration also builds trust and strengthens the social fabric, as
stakeholders feel valued and heard. As noted by Senge (2006) in The Fifth
Discipline, promoting a culture of collaboration enhances innovation and
organizational effectiveness, key outcomes of servant leadership in
governance.

While servant leadership offers a transformative model for public

management, its practical application is not without challenges. Resistance
to change, entrenched hierarchical systems and the complexity of public
administration can hinder the integration of servant leadership principles.
However, these obstacles can be addressed through targeted strategies that
reinforce ethical governance, social responsibility and collaboration as
explored in the preceding sections.
One major challenge is resistance to change from leaders accustomed to
traditional hierarchical models of governance. These models often
emphasize authority, control, and top-down decision-making, which contrast
sharply with the humility and service orientation of servant leadership.
Leaders may fear losing power or authority by adopting a more collaborative
and people-centered approach. Such resistance can impede efforts to
promote inclusivity and ethical practices in governance. To overcome this,
public institutions can implement capacity-building programs that train
leaders in ethical and servant leadership practices. Workshops, mentorship
programs, and case studies highlighting successful servant leadership
examples can help leaders understand its benefits. For example,
organizations like the Center for Creative Leadership advocate for leadership
development programs that focus on empathy, collaboration and service
which are core to the servant leadership philosophy.

Another challenge lies in balancing service orientation with efficiency in

complex bureaucracies. Public management requires navigating extensive
administrative structures to deliver services effectively. A service-oriented
approach may be perceived as too slow or cumbersome in environments
where efficiency is highly valued. For example, prioritizing community
engagement in decision-making processes can extend timelines for policy
implementation. Addressing this challenge requires integrating servant
leadership principles with practical strategies to maintain efficiency.
Encouraging accountability through independent oversight bodies and
transparent communication mechanisms can strike this balance. Oversight
bodies can monitor progress and ensure that service-oriented policies are
implemented efficiently without compromising ethical standards.
Transparent communication is a vital solution to these challenges. Leaders
who openly share information about policies, resource allocation, and
decision-making processes foster trust and reduce resistance to change. As
noted by Denhardt and Denhardt (2015) in The New Public Service,
transparency builds a shared understanding between leaders and citizens,
aligning with the servant leadership principle of prioritizing others’ needs.
Regular updates, accessible public forums, and clear reporting systems can
help bridge the gap between service orientation and bureaucratic efficiency,
ensuring that governance remains both ethical and effective.

The integration of servant leadership into public management is not only

grounded in practical benefits but also supported by biblical teachings and
broader ethical frameworks. These foundations provide compelling
justifications for adopting a leadership model that prioritizes service,
integrity, and accountability

The biblical principle of "loving your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39)

serves as a cornerstone for social responsibility in governance. This
command calls for prioritizing the well-being of others, particularly the
marginalized and vulnerable. In public management, this principle aligns
closely with the service orientation of servant leadership which seeks to
address societal inequalities and improve the lives of all citizens. Leaders
who embrace this ethic demonstrate a commitment to policies that promote
equity such as providing access to healthcare, education, and other essential
services. For example, community engagement initiatives that involve
citizens in decision-making processes reflect the biblical call to love and
serve others selflessly. As noted by Stott (1984) in The Message of the
Sermon on the Mount, social responsibility is an outward expression of love,
translating faith into tangible actions that benefit society.

Integrity and accountability are central to ethical governance and also reflect
biblical and universal moral values. Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of
the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."
This verse underscores the importance of honesty and transparency in
leadership. In public management, integrity demands that leaders act in the
best interests of the public, ensuring that resources are used responsibly and
decisions are made ethically.
Accountability complements this by holding leaders answerable for their
actions, reinforcing trust and reducing corruption. Ethical frameworks such
as Kantian ethics similarly emphasize the duty of leaders to act in ways that
respect the dignity and rights of all individuals, aligning with the biblical
emphasis on justice and righteousness.

Furthermore, ethical leadership frameworks advocate for a moral compass

that guides decision-making in complex situations. Servant leadership with
its emphasis on humility, sacrifice, and service, provides this compass,
offering a clear pathway for ethical governance. For example, the United
Nations' principles of good governance-transparency, participation,
responsiveness, and equity-echo the values found in Mark 10:41-45. Leaders
who prioritize these principles fulfill both their moral and civic duties,
fostering a governance model that serves the common good.

In conclusion
In conclusion, Servant leadership as illustrated in Mark 10:41-45 offers a
pathway to creating ethical, transparent, and inclusive systems in public
management. Inspired by biblical teachings and supported by universal moral
principles, this approach addresses the complexities of governance while prioritizing
the welfare of society. By embodying humility, sacrifice, and a service-oriented
mindset, public leaders can rise to the challenges of contemporary governance and
foster systems that truly benefit the communities they serve. This ethical and
socially responsible model of governance not only fulfills the moral obligations of
leadership but also ensures that public management contributes to the common
good, embodying the transformative potential of servant leadership in action.

References
Mark 10:41-45, Matthew 22:39, Proverbs 11:3.

Denhardt, J. V., & Denhardt, R. B. (2015). The New Public Service: Serving,
Not Steering. Routledge.

Stott, J. (1984). The Message of the Sermon on the Mount. InterVarsity Press.
Greenleaf, R. K. (1977). Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of
Legitimate Power and Greatness. Paulist Press.