Can a Leader of Moral Character Survive and Do Good in a Corrupt Organization?

What are the alternatives available to managers who want to show moral leadership, when they are confronted with corruption within their organizations? Drawing on Albert Hirschman’s seminal book on Exit, Voice, and Loyalty, we argue that if managers want to maintain moral character and show leadership, they should try to eradicate the corruption they encounter within their corporation. Voice, in other words, is the most likely alternative they should follow, with exiting a second best, if all else fails, and with loyalty not acceptable. Voice, however, includes a number of possible activities, which we discuss and is influenced to a great extent by the power, both formal and informal, of the manager, who aspires to becoming a moral leader and on the type of corruption prevalent in the organization. In conclusion, we identify practical advice for managers, who will find themselves in such a situation.