Currently, European Union is in a state of crisis following differences in political ideologies. Consequently, divergent political agenda has left citizens in dilemma and unable to choose political leader whom they can support. This crisis might interfere with leadership system and structure in future unless it is adequately addressed (Cramme par 1).
Besides, leaders ought to devise effective strategy of unifying Euro-zone. Additionally, leaders should also employ credible and workable plans that will positively improve dwindling economic trend in this region. This will enhance social and economic stability in the entire region.
So far, citizens seem to be worried that this crisis might lead to long term negative impacts in political institutions. However, the same leaders have relentlessly attempted to respond to this crisis by identifying its root causes. Recent empirical research has also indicated that reforming political systems per se is not enough to avert looming crisis. Indeed, there is urgent need for radical reforms that will usher in a new era of political dispensation (Rachman par. 1).
Different leaders hold varying perspectives on how to tackle the crisis. For instance, Nout Wellink, bank governor from Dutch, suggests that institutions in European Union should be political based (Rachman par. 2). According to opinion of the majority, lack of a common political institution that will enforce use of a common currency has by far and large, contributed to the crisis.
There has been misinterpretation of the root cause of the crisis. Nonetheless, the actual causes are both culturally and politically motivated. For instance, Lack of unified political system has made nations like Germany and Dutch advocate for fixed Euro zone bonds and tax systems (Rachman par.3).
Leadership crisis experienced in European Union is rooted to the difference in personality among key leaders. For instance, the German president has always been indecisive when it comes to acting over common issues (Cramme par.2). Moreover, the council president has a low profile over sensitive matters and also bearing in mind that the crisis has reached to a point of international concern, he urged his colleagues not to be too pessimistic to handle the crisis (Leigh par.1).
Moreover, divergent views and opinions among leaders hinder formulation of effective strategies to terminate the crisis (Cramme par.3). In recent years, European Union has been invaded by similar crisis. However, the fate of the Union lies on hands of leaders who are supposed to exercise ethical leadership skills and competencies to save Euro zone from this regional disaster.
Behind every crisis, there are proponents who are usually after fulfilling their own individual and selfish interests (Larive par.1). Dramatic shift of ethical values among leaders has played a significant role in worsening the crisis. Egoistic nature of respective stake holders of the Union must be discouraged for the common good of people being served.
This implies that any successful bit of European zone lies on the valued moral obligations and ethical behavior of its leaders (Cramme par.2). It is high time that leaders stepped up their respective responsibilities to see into it that European Union is restored into a unified bloc as it was before.
Hence, it is imperative for leaders and the various European agencies to employ ethical values like honesty, transparency, empathy, integrity and justice in solving the issue at hand (Cramme par.2).
I totally agree with the author’s opinion in the article since I am convinced that a paradigm shift in ethical leadership is the best way to go since it will help in resolving the crisis. Moreover, strategic management plan in leadership will also be of great importance in improving operating efficiency of political institutions in the entire Euro zone (Ekerngren & Groenleer 83).
Better still, it will also foster proper decision making forums among leaders in addressing issues affecting the Union. Additionally, ethical capitalism will be an effective tool in eliminating predisposing factors that resulted from the crisis (Ekerngren & Groenleer 84). In this case, leaders and civil representatives in European Union need to emphasize on long-term rather than short term goals and quick fixes.
Long term planning will foster better economic and social welfare of both citizens and non-citizens. Additionally, cooperative initiatives will enhance equitable and sustainable growth in all aspects for the entire Euro community.
Certainly, I would also propose similar approaches in solving the crisis should I be sail in a leadership position. Besides, I would capitalize more on what is being done preferably by fostering a unified coordination approach among member states (Larive par.11).
For example, unifying European market would require thorough coordination supervision among member states. This will ensure that citizen’s confidentiality is well protected (Ekerngren & Groenleer 85).
On the other hand, a unified forum among member states where they can openly debate issues arising within the region would discourage cases of divided opinions among leaders and their citizenry (Larive par.11). Furthermore, I would opt for total transformation by eliminating old ideologies that were previously used to solve challenging and emerging issues owing to the fact that we are living in times of transition and also experiencing inevitable changes in course of natural interaction.
Therefore, formulating new ideologies will change the social, economic and political mentality towards crisis management (Ekerngren & Groenleer 87). This can be done by building a comprehensive economic strategic plan which is optimally dependent on natural order (Cramme par.9).
In a nutshell, economic policies should be set on environmental potential to enhance sustainability of resources. Besides, it will be crucial to influence stake holders on the need of implementing frequent reforms in our political institutions to comply with dynamics in our society especially during times of crises (Cramme par.10).
Works Cited
Cramme, Olaf. What leadership crisis in the EU? 2011. Web.
Ekerngren, Magnus & Groenleer, Martijn. European Union crisis management: challenges for research and practice.International Journal of Emergency Management. 3 (2006), 83-90.
Larive, Maxime Tradition over Transparency: Should the IMF seat stay in Europe? The World Affairs Blog Network. 2011. Web.
Leigh, Phillips. EU president issues ‘plea for Euroland’. 2011. Web.
Rachman, Gideon. Political union cannot fix the euro. 2011. Web.