Digital Commons Network^™

Online Public Denunciation: A Preliminary Inquiry On The Experience Of Those Who Call-Out On Social Media, Margaret I. Montgomery

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Online public denunciations, colloquially referred to as call-outs, have become a prevalent way to expose perceived moral and social wrongdoing in our society. Posting a denunciation online welcomes debate on the in situ incident, the participants, preferred outcomes, and the morality of exposure - creating additional issues and embroiling the poster. Research on this phenomenon has focused on public figures, celebrities, or otherwise viral incidents, and despite the prevalence of social media call-outs, little is known about the experiences of those who initiate them. This preliminary study uses a phenomenological lens to understand the desires, experience, and outcomes for those …

Leaders Need Spiritual Intelligence, Susan L. Fairchild

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

The complexity of our world calls for leaders to have spiritual intelligence and the transformational capacity to lead organizations and communities (Al Eid et al., 2021; Crichton, 2008; Hacker et al., 2017; Sisk, 2016). Spiritual intelligence can be affiliated with a religion but grounded in the belief that all humans align with a greater calling (Emmons, 2000; King & DeCicco, 2009; Lee-Fong et al., 2022; Shea, 2000; Vaughan, 2002). Through qualitative methods using surveys and interviews with thirty leaders, this study found that contemplative spiritual practices enable spiritual intelligence and build transformational leadership capacity. Transformational leadership is the favored approach …

Depolarizing Leaders – A Peacebuilding Approach To Healing The Divide, Suzanne Damberg

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

We are at a critical juncture in an increasingly divisive and partisan United States. Political polarization, with its underlying social divisions, has worsened these past 20 years into extreme ideological and affective polarization – which are having deleterious effects on American government, institutions, and society (Carothers & O’Donohue, 2019b). While the academic literature points to a salient need to disrupt and remedy polarization, little has been written about grassroots approaches to depolarization, and even less about depolarizing leaders themselves. My research addressed this gap. The purpose of this qualitative research project was to explore the work of depolarizing leaders – …

Working Through Ideological Conflict: Utility Of Authentic Leadership To Build Community, Jennifer J. Mcmurray

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Many people find it difficult to communicate across ideological differences, particularly if those differences are politically-charged. An abundance of research describes the differences between the two dominant political philosophies of the United States, liberalism and conservatism, but little research has been conducted on how to develop and maintain a community inclusive of these ideological differences. This qualitative research project gathered information from six self-identified leaders and 41 survey participants of varying ages, genders, political affiliations, races, and religions over the summer of 2021. Three categories of findings emerged: (a) how ideological differences make community-building challenging; (b) when and how people …

Leading With Stage Fright: Female-Identifying Leaders Navigating Imposter Feelings In The For-Profit Sector, Keeley Norton

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Abstract

The imposter phenomenon refers to one’s persistent feelings of self-doubt, despite any external evidence of success, and fear of being discovered as a fraud (Clance & Imes, 1978). Research shows women experience imposter feelings more frequently than men, and experiences with imposter feelings can have a negative impact on job performance, career trajectories, and mental well-being (Hirschfeld, 1985; McGregor et al., 2008; Kumar & Jagacinski, 2005; Cusack et al., 2013; Neureiter & Traut-Mattausch, 2016). However, few studies attempt to understand the full impact of imposter feelings on leaders or how leaders manage these feelings in order to effectively lead. …

‘One Of The Guys’: Women Leaders And Tokenism In Male-Dominated Environments, Beth Duyvejonck

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Abstract

The percentage of women in corporate leadership has been on a slow rise over the previous decades and the statistical representation of women in top management and executive positions continues to change at a very slow rate. Researchers on gender and organizational development are observing a shift towards interventions focused on improving the gender-balance inside organizations and systems (Burke, 2017). My research contributes to the understanding of women leader’s experiences with gender and corporate culture in male-dominated environments with a specific focus on how organizational diversity initiatives affect the working experience of woman leaders. Using qualitative research methods, I …

Advancing Pay Equity In Nonprofits Through Feminist Leaders, Emily Anderson

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Abstract

Low wages in nonprofits have led to a focus on pay equity as a major concern for sector leaders. Some hypothesize that the low wages result from the sector’s association with “women’s work.” As such, the undervaluing of nonprofit labor reflects the lack of value placed on women’s labor. There are major gaps in the literature about feminist leadership and about how nonprofits can address pay equity. This qualitative study explored how feminist leaders are advancing pay equity in nonprofits through semi-structured interviews with five self-identified feminist leaders with experience leading nonprofit pay equity efforts. Acker’s (2006) inequality regimes …

Tibetan American Women Leaders: Constructing Their Own Cultural Paradigms For Leadership, Tenzin Lhamo Banari

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Abstract

Tibetan women as household leaders are not a new notion; however, in the public form, Tibetan women leaders are a recent concept. This study explores Tibetan American women leaders and how they navigate and experience their held leadership positions. The significance of the findings lies in Tibetan American women leaders' passion for leadership, which in this study was described as serving the Tibetan communities where they live. There is solid evidence that Tibetan cultural gender expectations and stereotypical views about Tibetan women have tremendously impeded and will impede those still climbing to the top. What is apparent is Tibetan …

“Of The Utmost Importance” A Study Of Followers And Followership, Jennifer L. Thorson

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Abstract

In most research, scholarly writings, and popular literature about leadership, it is presented as a given that there must be followership to achieve leadership outcomes. However, followership scholarship significantly trails its leadership counterparts; what does exist either attempts to define or describe followership or discusses it only in relation to leadership outcomes. Very little centers on how the person in the follower role experiences followership and even less on defining a theory of followership. The purpose of this research is to add to the knowledge of followership as an intentional act that can build skills and create opportunities. A …

“I Know Who I Am”: Asian American Women Leaders In The Nonprofit Sector On The Quest Toward Authenticity, Amanda Steepleton

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Abstract

This study sought to answer the research question, “How do Asian American women navigate others’ stereotypes of their intersectional racialized and gendered identity to lead in the nonprofit sector?” Participants identified stereotypes that they’ve encountered in their own work and leadership – most notably drawing from the model minority stereotype of being quiet, passive, submissive, and hardworking. They also identified these stereotypes as presenting barriers to being seen as leaders in their organizations. These findings affirm what is already well documented in the literature. Unfortunately, little has changed since the model minority stereotype first rose to prominence in the …

Off The Mat, Into The Office: How A Regular Yoga Practice Transformed Eight Corporate Leaders And Their Leadership, Pamela Kay Smith

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

We live in a time of constant change and challenging conditions for business leaders (Benson, 2005). Leaders must develop behaviors and skills to adapt and respond in healthy ways to stressful environments and ongoing change in order to lead others toward positive change effectively. This study examines how leaders in corporate America feel a regular Yoga practice has influenced their leadership, in essence taking Yoga "off the mat" and into the workplace. Heifetz's adaptive leadership theory was used to identify ways that leaders take Yoga off the mat and demonstrate adaptive leadership. The findings highlight that a regular Yoga practice …

The Toxic Triangle: A Qualitative Study Of Destructive Leadership In Public Higher Education Institutions, Carrie S. Schneider

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Destructive leadership is prevalent in organizations today and it produces harmful outcomes to both individuals and organizations. Destructive leadership is more than destructive behaviors exhibited by those in positions of authority within an organization; destructive leadership is a cocreational process involving a destructive leader, susceptible followers, and a conducive environment, or what is commonly referred to in the literature as the toxic triangle of destructive leadership. Institutions of public higher education seem an unlikely atmosphere in which destructive leadership would manifest and there is minimal research on destructive leadership in institutions of public higher education. This qualitative research gathered information …

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Minnesota Hospice Industry, Anna Lee Roberts

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

In the year 2020, the respiratory virus SARS-CoV-2, also known as the novel coronavirus-2019, or COVID-19, had a significant impact on the nation’s health care system, of which the hospice industry is a part. Research about the specific impact of the virus on this industry is still emerging and to date, no known scholarly qualitative research examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the hospice industry of Minnesota. This qualitative research project collected the perspectives of hospice industry members in the state of Minnesota, in the form of 5 hospice leader interviews and a survey of 144 hospice industry …

Factors That Impact Career Development In Virtual Environments, Elena Procaccini

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

The number of women in senior leadership positions compared to men in the same roles is significantly lower despite efforts in recent decades to reach equal status (Travis et al., 2013). Career development activities such as mentoring programs are helpful for employees trying to advance their career; however, sponsorship is a more effective method for women to be promoted (Travis et al., 2013). This thesis examines how financial institutions can incorporate sponsorship activities during times of crisis. This research focuses on the COVID-19 as crisis moving many employees into a virtual environment for day-to-day work and career development activities. I …

Mentoring And Its Impact On Young Adults In Church Congregations, Linnae Stole

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Young adults today yearn for purpose, connection, and authentic relationships (Lottes, 2005, p. 135-136). In this transitional age between adolescence and full adulthood, mentorship and encouragement from other adults in their lives can help them see the possibilities of their vocational calling (Price, 2013, p. 94). Church communities have the unique opportunity to support their young adult members in this work as it relates to their personal spirituality and God-given purpose. Through a survey of pastors and other church leaders, alongside a focus group of churchgoing young adults, this research project explored how churches can incorporate mentoring into their ministry …

Best Practices For Women Seeking Sponsorship In Corporations, Kimberly Hayman

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Women are underrepresented in corporate leadership, and many sources recommend sponsorship as an effective strategy to increase the percentage of women in leadership. A sponsor uses his or her influence and advocates on behalf of an individual protégé’s career advancement. This thesis examines sponsorship through the lens of social capital theory and identifies best practices for women seeking sponsorship for career advancement in corporate leadership. Through interviews with eight women corporate leaders and a review of the published literature, I identified best practices for women in corporations to source, select, and secure effective sponsor(s) to advance in leadership roles.

Women Beyond Tea: Fostering Tibetan Women Leaders Of Tomorrow, Tenzin Nordon

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Tibetan women leaders (TWLs) are a recent phenomenon within the Tibetan Exile Community. Before the 1950’s, Tibetans did not typically see women as leaders in public life (Thonsur, 2003). Women first entered public life as leaders after China invaded Tibet in the late 1950’s (Butler, 2003; Thonsur, 2003; McGranahan, 2010). The democratic reforms through the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the de facto government in exile for Tibetans, gave Tibetan women many rights and opportunities to develop their leadership capacity. However, women are still grossly underrepresented at the highest levels of leadership throughout the Tibetan Exile Community. To examine how the …

The Value Of Sabbaticals To Revitalize And Retain Nurse Leaders In A Hospital Setting, Deborah Ann Scott

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Burnout and turnover are problems affecting staff nurses and nurse leaders across the country. Nurses and nurse leaders, who leave their jobs, contribute to an emerging nursing shortage caused by many baby boomer nurses retiring and an aging population (Snavely, 2016). Nursing leaders play key roles in creating positive work environments which help reduce burnout and turnover in staff nurses (Brown, Fraser, Wong, Muise, Cummings, 2013). Nurse leaders, who are ineffective due to burnout, or decide to leave their roles, affect staff nurses negatively and are a detriment to patient care (Brown et al., 2013). Sabbaticals are a proven strategy …

Leader Perspectives On Factors That Shape Their Change Leadership Practice, Michelle A. Shields

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

With the abundance of change and leadership research and literature at our fingertips, why do so many change initiatives fail? Is there a connection to leaders’ perspectives on what factors inform their change leadership practices, and how do they think about engaging followers in change? This thesis research project leveraged qualitative interviews to explore leader perspectives on what factors inform their change leadership practice, particularly with respect to their approach for engaging followers. To set a theoretical foundation, this project reviews Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory (1984) to provide insights to the role that experience plays in the individual learning for …

Navigating Perceptions And Stereotypes Of Leaders Who Identify As Non-Religious In The U.S.: A Qualitative Thesis Examining How Individuals Who Identify As Non-Religious Navigate Stereotypes And Perceptions Of Their Identity To Establish Themselves As Credible Leaders, Sarah Kruger Hilger

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

The religious landscape of the U.S. is changing drastically with an increasing number of individuals identifying as non-religious (Pew Research Center, 2014). While these individuals do not associate with a particular religion, they may be spiritual, have some religious based beliefs, or identify as atheist, agnostic, or yet another category (Baker & Smith, 2009; Cragun et al., 2012; Edgell et al., 2016). These individuals are our neighbors, friends, and family members. They are also leaders in our communities. However, U.S. society tends to have a negative perception of individuals who identify as non-religious as a person’s religious affiliation often serves …

Childfree Women: Navigating Perceptions And Developing A Leadership Identity, Stephanie Mccluskey

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

The number of childfree women in the United States has increased in recent decades, and those women occupy managerial roles at a higher rate than mothers. Childfree women, and women in leadership roles, encounter negative perceptions due to the inconsistency between their identities and the patriarchal views of the roles women should assume. This study examined how childfree women navigated perceptions assigned to them by others in order to gain credibility in their leadership. In qualitative interviews of 13 childfree women leaders, participants described others’ perceptions of them and discussed a variety of strategies they utilized to gain credibility in …

Stranger Than Fiction: A Qualitative Thesis Examining Leaders, Followers And The Distribution Of Power In The 2016 United States Presidential Election, Shannon L. Casey

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Historically, the leadership literature mentions the role of followers only in passing. New research is emerging about the importance of followers and the role they play in the distribution of power between leaders and followers. Using Kellerman's theory of leadership as a theoretical framework, this study positions engaged voters as "followers" in the 2016 Presidential election, and examines their perceptions of the election and its relationship to the distribution of power between leaders and followers. The findings reveal that in a context marked by dissatisfaction, political polarization and technology, followers in this study want change, but cannot or do not …

Female Executive Worldviews That Support Professional Endurance, Rebecca Taylor Kipp

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Of Standard & Poor’s 500 Index companies, women comprise 45% of the labor force, yet occupy only one in four executive leadership roles and 4.4% of Chief Executive Officer positions (Catalyst, 2015). Female executives often face the challenges of being both a woman in the workforce and an executive. Dealing with significant challenges and adversity on a daily basis can affect long-term professional and personal endurance (Kenworthy, Fay, Frame & Petree; Kwoh, 2013; Lian & Tam, 2014; Loh, 2010). For the purpose of this paper, effective endurance is defined as the ability to face long-term challenge and adversity while maintaining …

Providing Culturally Appropriate Physical Therapy To Somali Refugees In Minnesota, Jessica J. Scholl

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Minnesota is home to the largest community of Somali refugees in the United States (Pavlish, Noor, and Brandt, 2010, p. 353). The Somali community has unique healthcare needs that current Western medicine is not meeting adequately. The Somali living in Minnesota are at risk for increased rates of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions due to the change in lifestyle, eating habits, and stress caused by moving to the United States. The purpose of this research is to identify the healthcare needs, preferences, and practices of the Somali refugee community in Minnesota to better inform and guide physical therapy clinicians …

Employee Contributions To Organizational Decision-Making Processes And Outcomes, Melissa A. Bearth

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

An organizations’ ability to make the right decision at the right time is critical to its success (Wernz & Deshmukh, 2010; Roberto, 2013). Given the importance of effective decision-making to organizations, it is not surprising there is significant research on this topic. However, most analysis and research focuses on the role leaders play in organizational decision-making. I believe a holistic approach to decision-making needs to take into account employees’ contributions to decision-making processes and outcomes. The purpose of my study is to add to the body of literature on organizational decision-making, and provide both leaders and employees with information on …

Corporate Responsibility, Ethics, And Animal Welfare, Elizabeth A. Gray

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Do organizations that keep wild animals in captivity owe them moral consideration? This thesis provides a historical overview of the moral consideration provided to animals and analyzes present-day philosophical writing. The representative contemporary ethical frameworks include utilitarianism, relational theory, animal rights theory, and coherence theory. Studied are issues of anthropocentrism, sentience, and equal consideration. Discussed are the ethical defensibility of zoos, aquariums, circuses, and canned hunts under the contemporary ethical frameworks, and in relation to these issues.

Creating Economic And Social Impact: Leadership Decision-Making In The Context Of Shared Value, Nicole Hines

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

The boundaries between for-profit and non-profit organizations are less distinct now than in the past. Today, many non-profit organizations include revenue-generating and other business strategies in their operations. At the same time, many for-profit companies include a focus on social impact as part of their business goals. From this blurring of boundaries has emerged the concept of shared value, a practice that aims to create both economic and social impact. Through a literature review and analysis of interviews with six industry leaders and two subject matter experts, this study identifies how leaders define, demonstrate, and engage in shared value; the …

Coworker Discretionary Support: Developing And Exploring A Construct, Margaret M. Collins

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Researchers and practitioners identify social support as an important part of organizational culture, contributing to an environment of psychological well-being and employee engagement. However, social support has been defined and measured inconsistently across studies. The purpose of this study was to explore the construct of coworker discretionary support (CDS), the support that peers offer voluntarily to help coworkers meet job challenges. Using a mixed methodological approach, I examined the types of CDS that employees experience and its value and meaning. I created a measure of CDS and examined the relationship between CDS and engagement as well as the impact of …

Ranked Choice Voting In Minneapolis 2013 Elections, Erica L. Mauter

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

Ranked choice voting (RCV), also known as instant runoff voting (IRV), is claimed to be a more inclusive electoral system compared to the two-round single-vote plurality system commonly used in the United States. RCV is argued to be more inclusive because it maximizes the number of people participating in the decisive election, and because it inspires more inclusive campaigning as candidates try to earn second choice and third choice votes. RCV is not widely used in the United States; there is not a great deal of research on whether RCV achieves these goals. Through interviews with campaign strategists and expert …

Nothing To Remember Except The Story: How The Ethical Will Inspires Authentic Leadership, Andrew J. Mcilree

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Theses

The focus of this Leadership Action Project is to explore how the ethical will can inspire authentic leadership. Authentic Leadership theory is predicated on the growth of self-knowledge and self-awareness in a leader. These twin notions, developed through practical experience and lifelong reflection, inform a leader’s legacy of values, beliefs, and behavior. Due to the immediacy of daily challenges, modern leaders often lack the presence of mind to reflect on their crucible experiences and practical wisdom. As a result of this lack of contemplation, these leaders do not extract as much self-knowledge and self-awareness from their personal ethical legacies. The …