TRUST DYNAMICS IN ETHICAL LEADERS DURING PANDEMIC CRISIS (COVID-19): APPLIED SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This study systematically analyzes the fluctuations in trust experienced by ethical leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing upon a comprehensive literature review from 2003 to 2023, the research explores trust dynamics, both increases and decreases, within the context of pandemic emergencies and applied sciences perspectives. The study follows a systematic literature review methodology, utilizing data from reputable sources such as SCOPUS, Elsevier Science Direct, Springer, Taylor, and Francis. The research incorporates information spanning the critical period from late 2019 when China received the initial coronavirus report to early 2020 when the WHO made it public. The research examines the relationship between trust fluctuations and ethical leaders, showcasing how leaders' roles in ethical decision-making impact trust levels during a crisis. The study reveals that trust in ethical leaders fluctuated during the pandemic, highlighting that leaders who demonstrate seriousness in addressing ethical concerns experienced increased trust, while a lack of such seriousness eroded trust. The study sheds light on the crucial role played by leaders in maintaining or eroding public trust during emergencies. The theoretical insights offer a framework for comprehending the interplay between ethical leadership, trust, and crisis management. The results section presents a nuanced analysis, encompassing study selection and extraction, publications by year, data source analysis, publication by context, citation analysis, and an exploration of trust fluctuations concerning ethical leaders during the COVID-19 crisis. The findings show that leaders who are serious about resolving ethical problems experience higher trust, providing practical implications for crisis management leaders looking to improve public trust during emergencies. The findings contribute to understanding trust dynamics in the context of ethical leadership during a global health crisis. From a practical perspective, the research provides valuable guidance for leaders seeking to navigate ethical challenges during pandemics, emphasizing the impact on public trust. This study stands out for its original approach in systematically reviewing the literature to understand trust fluctuations in ethical leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The relevance of the research lies in its exploration of real-world implications for leaders dealing with ethical issues during crises.