Abstract
This study investigates the critical role of ethical leadership in fostering organizational trust and integrity and its implications for employee behaviour and organizational outcomes, specifically from the perspective of SMEs based in South East England. Through a comprehensive literature review and empirical analysis, the research explores the relationship between ethical leadership behaviours and employee trust, the influence of ethical leadership on organizational integrity and ethical climate, the effects of perceived ethical leadership on employee attitudes and behaviours, and the organizational factors that may facilitate or hinder the practice of ethical leadership. The study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the importance of ethical leadership in promoting a positive organizational culture and enhancing employee engagement and ethical behaviour. This paper presents the research objectives, research questions, literature review, and the proposed methods for data collection.