Digital Commons Network^™

Effective Followership And Successful Leadership In Small And Medium Enterprises In The Middle East, Kayan Alameh

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Effective leadership has long been recognized as a critical factor in organizational success, yet the role of followership remains underexplored. The purpose of this quantitative quasi-experimental study was to examine the relationship between effective followership and successful leadership within small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Middle East. Followership theory, transformational leadership theory, and organizational culture theory grounded this study. The participants comprised 192 employees working in SMEs across the Middle East who completed the implicit followership theories scale developed by Thomas Sy to measure followership effectiveness. Leadership success was determined based on whether leaders achieved at least 80% of …

Unleashing Excellence: Strengthening It Leaders Through Executive Coaching, Tonya S. Rivers

Dissertations

This paper explores the impact of executive coaching on Information Technology (IT) leaders. Many organizations across different industries lack strong leadership, as exposed by COVID-19. Companies aim to keep exceptional leaders and establish upbeat workplaces to achieve success. Although previous research has examined leadership effectiveness, it is still unclear how best to manage employees' perceptions of effective leadership. The goal of this research is to provide new insights into what can improve perceptions of leadership effectiveness. I explored the role executive leadership coaching has on managers working in the Information Technology (IT) field. Current literature often mentions the need for …

Leadership In The Age Of Ai: Review Of Quantitative Models And Visualization For Managerial Decision-Making, Satyadhar Joshi

Harrisburg University Other Works

This paper offers a comprehensive review of existing literature on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and leadership, drawing on both theoretical insights and practical implementations. By analyzing scholarly publications from the past two years (2023-2025), the review traces emerging patterns in how AI technologies are being integrated into leadership practices. Key themes include the growing relevance of learning-based systems for adaptive decision-making and the application of attention-based models to improve responsiveness in dynamic environments. The review also addresses ethical dimensions of AI-enabled leadership, emphasizing the need to balance algorithmic efficiency with human judgment and oversight. Concerns around transparency, psychological …

We Are What We Maintain—Including Ourselves: Infrastructure And Interdependence Of Library Work In The Midst Of Disruption, Mary J. Snyder Broussard, Joel M. Burkholder, Jeremy Mcginniss, Donna Witek

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Library workers need a language and a framework for advocacy that effectively names and makes visible the key elements and interconnected nature of our work. This article proposes Burkholder’s and McGinniss’s (2020) maintenance schema, which consists of resources, platform, energy, and vision, as a viable language and framework for this kind of advocacy. It does this by analyzing several major issues facing academic libraries that were exacerbated by the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic: declining budgets, inequalities in academic libraries, and wide-spread exhaustion among library workers. The application of the maintenance schema to these specific issues demonstrates how the schema …

The Impact Of Implementing A House System At East Richland Christian Schools: A Dissertation-In-Praxis, Travis Johnson Mckinley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation-in-praxis examines the implementation of a House System at East Richland Christian Schools (ERCS), a private Grades 7-12 institution in Saint Clairsville, Ohio, to address deficiencies in the traditional small group model, including limited student engagement, leadership development, spiritual growth, and school spirit. Grounded in Burns’ (1978) Transformational Leadership Theory and biblical principles, the study replaced gradeand gender-segregated groups with four randomized, co-ed houses (Amare, Fidem, Spero, Veritas) for 50 students and eight teachers. The project aimed to create a spirited Christian community through weekly competitions, leadership opportunities, and spiritual activities. Using a mixed-methods approach under the Stake Model, …

Lead Pastor Stress: A Quantitative Study Of The Effects On Mental Health, Marriage, Family, And The Church, Sherri Lee Bergeron

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The church’s lead pastor has many roles and responsibilities, from teaching the Word of the Lord, baptisms, counseling sessions, and leading a staff. These are not the lead pastor’s only role; the majority also have a family, children, and a spouse at home who also need their attention. A balance must be considered between the ministry, family, and marriage. If this balance is off or the pastor becomes overwhelmed with any or all the three, their mental health may suffer and can cause depression and anxiety if not dealt with appropriately (Christianity Today, 2022). Lead pastors, while in ministry, have …

Emergency Management Single Points Of Failure, Todd Alan Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Disaster management begins and ends at the local level and encompasses every aspect of public administration. Emergency management practices using jurisdictional authority are central to protecting communities during incidents and events. Although contemporary emergency management plans, procedures, and policies are methodically developed over time, a single point of failure may cause preventable issues that result in a measurable loss of time, funding, or opportunity. A single point of failure can be any moment where a process, action, or detail was either overlooked or executed incorrectly and caused emergency management challenges. Fred Fiedler and William Scott’s descriptions of Contingency Theory, a …

A Qualitative Study Of How Instructional Leaders Describe The Actions And Reflections Of Organizational Management, Ashli Bachmeier

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to describe the influence of organizational management on the actions and decision-making of instructional leaders in Title I secondary schools in Nevada. The theory guiding this study was Argyris and Schön’s theory of practice, which states that human beings generally need to become competent by adopting a theory of action and then reflecting on this action to learn from it. This study's theory of practice aligns with the role of instructional leaders in shaping organizational management through actions and reflections. This study employed a phenomenological approach and qualitative research methods focusing on …

Executive Summary, William T. Eliason

Joint Force Quarterly

Effective communication is essential to joint warfighting success, yet even basic tasks, like radio reprogramming, can fail without proper training and leadership. Editor in Chief William T. Eliason emphasizes the life-saving importance of communication and the need to instill such skills at every level of the force. He adds a tribute to Dr. John Church’s editorial and visual contributions to JFQ and gives an update on the temporary pause of the annual essay competitions due to logistical constraints. This issue of Joint Force Quarterly features timely analyses on China’s military reform, the challenges of integrated deterrence, visionary leadership development, and …

A Survey-Based Quantification Of Imposter Phenomenon In Occupational Therapy, Dina Prisco, Siobhan Walsh

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Imposter phenomenon is a professional issue that negatively affects health professionals’ performance and well-being. This study examined imposter phenomenon’s prevalence in occupational therapy (OT). Researchers hypothesized that imposter phenomenon is prevalent in OT, more so in underrepresented groups. The rate of imposter phenomenon throughout OT was quantified and rates between demographic groups compared.

Method: This study used an exploratory, survey-based research design. Survey sections included informed consent, demographics, and the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS). The CIPS measured rates of imposterism. Analyses of variances and independent group t-tests were performed to identify significant differences between groups. Inclusion criteria …

Higher Education Leaders’ Perspectives About Communication Challenges During Crises, Carey-Ann Marie Balkwill

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem was that while impact and problems of crisis communication have been identified in the literature, little is known about the perspectives of leaders in higher education when facing communication issues in times of crisis. Guided by crisis communication theory and leadership theory, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore higher education leadership team members’ perspectives of communication challenges in times of crisis. Four research questions guided the study on the perspectives of higher education leadership team members about (a) how their own leadership and communication changed during a crisis, (b) how internal communications evolved during …

Effective Engagement Strategies For Management To Increase Job Satisfaction Within Virtual Teams, Judy R. Ramphal

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Job satisfaction within virtual teams is a significant challenge for many corporations, affecting goal achievement, retention, and performance. Some managers of medium to large companies lack strategies for the engagement of virtual team members to ensure job satisfaction. Grounded in Herzberg’s two-factor theory, the purpose of this qualitative, multiple case study was to explore effective engagement strategies that some managers of medium and large companies use to increase job satisfaction within virtual teams. Participants included five upper-level managers from five companies who were successful in managing engagement strategies in virtual teams. Thematic analysis revealed three major themes: continuous communication with …

The Process Is The Reform: Examining The Portrait Of A Learner In Nevada, Jeremy Adam Young

Theses and Dissertations

To understand the process and substance of the Portrait of a Learner as an educational reform in Nevada through examining the experiences of individuals leading the initiative and to connect what is learned to educational reform in a larger context. A comprehensive literature review was cross-referenced with in-depth interview and focus group results from the Nevada Department of Education and two school districts. This qualitative study might be best described as a purposive, non-randomized study. Fifteen participants, including teachers, administrators, policymakers, and nonprofit professionals participated in interviews and/or focus groups, which were semi-structured. The data were analyzed and organized by …

Heroes At The Clinic, Dalila Ulloa Perez

FUSION

This project explores different themes of heroism as seen through comparing my volunteer experience at the Veterinary Clinic at the Avenues in Marietta with major works of World Literature. It is shown how dedicated and selfless the staff are, as well as how strong and content the animals are. It puts an emphasis on how little acts of service can truly make a meaningful impact as it helps to create a broader understanding of heroism in our society.

For this assignment, students were asked to examine modern and ancient literary definitions of heroism by completing community service hours in person …

Successful Leadership Strategies Hotel Managers Use To Reduce Employee Turnover, Sean Reid

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Employee turnover remains a significant challenge in the hotel industry, impacting service quality and increasing operational costs. Hotel managers are particularly concerned with this issue as it affects their ability to maintain a financially sustainable business. Grounded in the transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore successful leadership strategies hotel managers use to reduce employee turnover. The participants comprised four hotel managers from four different hotels in the Caribbean. Data were gathered from semistructured interviews, interview notes, and a review of documents provided by the participants. Four themes emerged from the use of …

The Strategies Necessary For Leading Multigenerational Teams, Tara Vega Figueroa

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Poor workplace communication strategies can negatively affect a multigenerational workforce. Law firm leaders are concerned that communication gaps among generational groups may decrease performance and increase turnover. Grounded in transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore law firm leaders' strategies to communicate effectively with multigenerational cohorts. The participants were 10 law firm leaders located in the northeast region of the United States. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and reviewing internal communications, training materials, and policy documents. Through thematic analysis, three themes were identified: (a) adaptability, (b) career experience, and (c) lack of training. …

Impact Of Principal Leadership On Teacher Retention In Southern Illinois K-12 Schools, Adam J. Cross

Ed.D. Capstone Reports

Adam J. Cross, for the Doctor of Education degree in Educational Administration, presented March 24, 2025, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

TITLE: IMPACT OF PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP ON TEACHER RETENTION IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS K-12 SCHOOLS

MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. William Bradley Colwell

The purpose of the study was to determine what impact principal leadership has on teacher retention in southern Illinois K-12 public schools. The significance of the study is to contribute to existing research on principal leadership and its impact on teacher retention (both positive and negative) by determining what characteristics of leadership implemented by southern Illinois K-12 public school principals …

What Our Faces And Words Convey: An Ai Assisted Behavioral Approach To Emotional Intelligence Development In An Undergraduate Teams Course, Ryan Will, Brent Goertzen, Magdalene Moy

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This poster explores the development of emotional intelligence in leadership and team dynamics, addressing limitations of traditional methods that rely on perceptual measures which serve as proxies for leader or follower behaviors (Banks et al., 2023). Participants analyze verbal and nonverbal communication patterns from team meetings throughout a semester-long project using content analysis and emotion-detection AI (Imentiv.ai), which leverages the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) (Rosenberg & Ekman, 2020). The intervention involves video recording three team meetings at key stages (early, mid-point, and end) to capture communication changes over the team lifecycle. Individualized feedback, combining verbal and nonverbal analysis, is …

On The Borders: Black Women’S Multiple And Competing Social Identities And Expectations, And The Impact On Their Intragroup Leadership And Relational Experiences, Clover Baker-Brown

PhD in Organizational Leadership

Black women in the United States are often portrayed as a monolithic and unified group—defined primarily by racial identity and expectations of a shared understanding of common experiences. However, while racial identity is frequently foregrounded in public discourse, this framing often overlooks the overlapping of Black women’s multiple identities and the influence on their sense of belonging in their various groups. This omission can be subtle yet misleading. How Black women choose to self-identify may result in competing expectations or intragroup mistrust, which can impact their overall leadership and relational experiences. Black women's social identities are diverse, vibrant, and transcend …

The Role Of Organizational Culture And Pastoral Leadership In Sustainable Church Outreach: A Multisite Mini-Ethnographic Case Study, Althea P. Gordon-Scott

PhD in Organizational Leadership

This study examined the role of organizational culture and pastoral leadership in sustainable church outreach programs. Two churches were chosen for this multisite mini-ethnographic case study because, for multiple years, they have participated in multiple outreaches each week to their non-Christian neighbors. These two churches differed in terms of geographical location, size, demographics, and budget. Data collection included field observations, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and document analysis. The themes that surfaced from the data were altruistic foundations, relational equity, organizational agility, organizational challenges, exemplary pastoral leadership, and the centrality of God. This research contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding …

Utah State University’S Role In Latino Youth Leadership Development, Celina Wille, Lendel K. Narine

Outcomes and Impact Quarterly

This evaluation study explores the impact of the Latinos in Action (LIA) leadership boot camps on Latino youth development. Since 2018, these programs have improved participants' communication, teamwork, and goal-setting skills, fostering civic engagement and academic success among middle and high school students within Utah's growing Latino population.

Examining Early-Career Principals' Experiences With Coaching And Self-Efficacy Development In Wisconsin Public Schools, Jeff Carron

Dissertations (1934 -)

Research on principalship reveals that school leaders are entering the position with less experience and staying at their schools for shorter periods of time, resulting in more schools being led by novice principals. Additionally, research highlights how principals have a major influence on student achievement, teacher working conditions, and teacher retention. As a result, district leaders, and the outside organizations that support them, are faced with the challenge of inducting new principals and providing the support they need to be successful. Complicating this support are the myriads of skills, roles, and responsibilities that principals must master to be successful. This …

Key Factors That Influence The Successful Implementation And Sustainment Of Dei Within Probation Departments, Natalie Martinez

Master of Public Administration Capstone Papers

The successful implementation and sustainment of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within probation departments is essential to create a fair and just criminal justice system. This paper examines the principal elements that impact the implementation and sustainability of DEI practices in probation settings. This research identifies best practices and challenges in integrating DEI principles into organizational structures by analyzing existing literature, case studies, and policy frameworks. The findings highlight the importance of leadership commitment, policy integration, and measurement, as well as an environment that fosters an inclusive culture. Additionally, the study examines barriers such as resistance to change, policy …

From Gamers To Professionals: A Case Study On The Role Of Esports In Developing Employability Skills, Anthony Mark Gray Jr.

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Theses & Dissertations

Workforce Skills have evolved to be critically needed and the ways of developing these workplace skills are evolving. This study explores the potential contributions of esports activities at colleges to the development of essential employability skills, including collaboration, communication, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork, skills that are valued by human resources managers. Despite the growing popularity of esports and its potential to prepare students for the workforce, there is limited research connecting esports and even broader video games connected to the activities can influence skill development and career readiness. There is an increase in academic focus and identifying the knowledge skills, …

Progressing Gender Equity In Senior Leadership: A Systematic Literature Review, Michelle Gander, Fleur Sharafizad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This study aim to review and compile the latest research in women’s leadership internationally and across multiple sectors and industries to understand how to fast-track gender equality. As an outcome of this review, this paper presents an actionable universal framework for organisations to use to bolster their gender equity efforts. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review methodology resulted in 36 articles dedicated to research on women in senior leadership interventions across countries and organisational types. Thematic analysis identified a series of enablers and barriers that influence women’s progression into senior roles. Findings: Research since 2020 has shown a significant shift …

Religious Institutionalization: Understanding Why Leaders Practice Shamanism In South Korea, Pál Koudela

Asia-Pacific Social Science Review

Political and business leaders in South Korea are often the focus of attention these days because of their relation to shamanism. These activities are labeled superstitious and are widely condemned, though they are not new. Despite the overall condemnation, shamanistic practices among leaders, similarly to the wider population, persisted in the long run. There are two distinct parts to the criticism: everyday practice and high political positions given to mudangs. Practice is condemned because shamanism is not considered a religion as it has no proper institutions, that is, church, ideology, clergy, official history, and so forth. On the contrary, practice …

Building Unity Between Coeur D’Alene Bible Church And Summit Christian Academy Communities Through Leadership Engagement Groups, Nathan T. Duncan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The Western church must model unity to its congregation and the local community as part of the battle against the growing cultural focus on individualism. The purpose of this action research project was to develop and build unity between Coeur d'Alene Bible Church (CBC) and Summit Christian Academy (SCA) by utilizing Leadership Engagement Groups (LEGs). LEGs consisted of individuals from the leadership team of each ministry, five from CBC and four from SCA. They met for five weeks to pray, examine biblical unity, and discuss how they can practically assist the other ministry in their ministry goals. Questionnaires, which measured …

A Phenomenological Study: Leading The Next Generation Of Executive Nurse Leaders Using Biblical Principles, Patricia A. Willie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Understanding retirement requires getting inside people’s stories, and qualitative research is well-suited to address retirees' more profound lived experiences (Amabile, 2019). This qualitative study uses a phenomenological transcendental method to describe the retired nurse executive's leadership development competency and experiences mentoring emerging nurse leaders using biblical principles such as compassion, caring, serving, and spirituality. For this study, retired executive nurse leaders are defined as those who have served in an acute care hospital's formal executive leadership position and retired less than ten years ago. Leadership development competency is defined as a composite of top leadership principles, biblical principles, mentoring experiences, …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Job Satisfaction: Perspectives Of Private School Employees, Wede Lorraine Wallace

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The educational marketplace is highly competitive, and schools and higher learning institutions incessantly strive for sustainable education and strategies to adjust to environmental and economic changes. This scenario was especially experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic when schools had to change from the traditional learning style to the virtual approach, thereby imposing a string of financial downturns from a reduction in tuition while still maintaining overhead costs. The change forced leaders to make organizational changes to remain financially stable. The general problem addressed by this case study was the challenges leaders faced in gaining employee support for changes to administrative work …

Strategic Steps Applied Using A Team Leadership Model To Implement A Restructured Leadership Program, Angel Cynthia Gayle

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

To fulfil its mission, an organization must operate effectively and efficiently. The role of the organization’s leadership is to implement the most appropriate solution to alleviate the problems. However, when the leadership of the organization itself is the strategic problem, organizational theory is a valuable source to implement as steps are taken to solve the problem. Team leadership was the topic of discussion in this research project. The topic of team leadership was researched with the quest of selecting an appropriate team leadership model for Christians In Action International Network, Inc. in Tamarac, FL. The benefits and values in the …