This dissertation is a qualitative study which examines the similarities and differences between male and female ethical leaders;The interview and subsequent findings focused on the following four questions: (1) What are the similarities and differences between men's and women's perceptions of ethical leadership? (2) What are the similarities and differences between men's and women's patterns of ethical leadership development? (3) What differences and similarities exist between women's and men's ethical leadership practice? (4) What are the implications and recommendations for leadership development programs?;Those questions led to the following observations: (1) Male and female leaders in this study share several major influences that shape their ethical perspectives; they are family influences, critical incidents, mentors and role-models. (2) The ability to subscribe to a transcendent view (state) was essential to these male and female leaders. (3) The women in this study relied more on relationships than did men for their perspectives on the world and in the solving of problems. (4) The men in this study focused more on the use of justice for the resolution of problems and their ethical perspectives, but not solely; the majority of men also concerned themselves with relationships, but with lesser emphasis;Finally, the researcher developed a value-based model leadership development program, endorsed and affirmed by the research findings.