Leadership Studies Commons^™

Transformational Leadership: A Case Study Of Vaclav Havel, Neal Hauser

Theses and Graduate Projects

The focus of this political-historical case study is based on the leadership style of Vaclav Havel, the current president of the Czech Republic. The writer, playwright, prisoner and dissident led the peaceful overthrow of the Communist government in Czechoslovakia in 1989, and was the country's first democratically elected president in over fifty years. The premise of this case study has two parts.The first part identifies the leadership characteristics and qualities demonstrated by Vaclav Havel. Part two consists of evaluating Havel's leadership style with contemporary theories of leadership.

This study will show that Havel exhibits a transformational leadership style demonstrated by …

The Significance Of Emotional Intelligence In The Life Of Jimmy Carter, Susan M. James

Theses and Graduate Projects

According to recent studies, the most important predictor of success is not knowledge or technical aptitude. Rather, "Emotional Intelligence", a concept developed by author and former Harvard professor Daniel Goleman in the 1990s, is the foundation for success. Goleman describes emotional intelligence as the ability to monitor one's own feelings and the feelings of others, and to use this information to guide actions and decisions.

This paper examines the theory of emotional intelligence and its significance in the life of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States. Known as the most ineffectual president of his time, he has …

How Complex Adaptive Systems Address Manufacturing Planning System Challenges And Provide New Leadership Perspectives, Charles V. Nemer

Theses and Graduate Projects

Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRPII) is viewed as an organizational system through the metaphor of complex adaptive systems (CAS) in order to gain new insights that benefit manufacturing leadership and resolve challenges faced by MRPII. This thesis examines the history of manufacturing to reveal the metaphor under which MRPII currently operates and then introduces the metaphor of CAS, thus resulting in new direction for the manufacturing leader. Based on a review of the existing literature in manufacturing and in complexity theory, the work of Holland (1995) and Daft (1992) are central to establishing the relationship of MRPII to organizational and complexity …

Foundational Processes Of Manufacturing Leaders: How Complex Adaptive Systems Address Manufacturing Planning System Challenges And Provide New Leadership Perspectives, Charles V. Nemer

Theses and Graduate Projects

Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRPII) is viewed as an organizational system through the metaphor of complex adaptive systems (CAS) in order to gain new insights that benefit manufacturing leadership and resolve challenges faced by MRPII. This thesis examines the history of manufacturing to reveal the metaphor under which MRPII currently operates and then introduces the metaphor of CAS, thus resulting in new direction for the manufacturing leader. Based on a review of the existing literature in manufacturing and in complexity theory, the work of Holland (1995) and Daft (1992) are central to establishing the relationship of MRPII to organizational and complexity …

Malcolm X And Symbolic Convergence Theory, Jill L. Pittelkow

Theses and Graduate Projects

The focus of this paper will be the application of symbolic convergence theory to the leadership attributes of Malcolm X.

Symbolic Convergence Theory focuses on determining and identifying symbols in diverse communities and showing how the meanings for these symbols intersect to create shared results.

In the case of Malcolm X, several ideas which initially sounded radical and frightening to many white people became more solid and reasonable when presented by themes consonant with mainstream American culture.

By focusing on specific examples used by Malcolm X to present his ideas to diverse cultures, I hope to emphasize the importance of …

Service Learning For The Sheridan School Community And Beyond, Susan J. Ferrell

Theses and Graduate Projects

This Leadership Application Project outlined various aspects of youth service learning. This proiect included information about the history and evolution of service learning, included definitions and examples of service learning, and differentiated service learning from community service and experiential education. Emphasis was placed on the importance of reflection in service learning and on the expected positive outcomes for students. Based on interviews with colleagues, a teacher handbook was developed to accompany the research about service learning. The handbook included general information for teachers about youth service learning, as well as examples of lessons and service learning units.

An Investigation Of The Augsburg Leadership Development Model And Its Gender Role Association, Jackie Holien

Theses and Graduate Projects

Traditional models of leadership have been associated with either masculine or feminine traits, as illustrated by the transactional and transformational styles, respectively. A new model of leadership has emerged that requires that both feminine and masculine traits be incorporated into a leader's style. The Augsburg Leadership Development Model supports this new style of leadership by maintaining a neutral gender role association.

Identifying A Need For The Development Of A Culturally Based Leadership Program For The Native American Ho-Chunk Youth, Charity Thunder

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study explores the need for a culturally based leadership program to help the Native American Ho-Chunk youth become effective leaders in their communities. There are but a few studies done on Native American leadership so I have chiefly relied on the empirical evidence collected from several Summer Ho-Chunk Youth Leadership Conferences. As a result, learning the Hocak language was identified as being critical to keeping the culture and traditions alive.

We proceed to do this in four parts. We begin with the statement of the problem. Secondly, we define and clarify terms such as: American Indian, tribe, vision, sovereignty, …

A Plan For Youth Leadership Development In The Lutheran Church, Stacy M. Frost

Theses and Graduate Projects

This paper reviews a Youth Leadership Model which promotes teen involvement in the Lutheran Church. In the past, Easter Lutheran Church experienced low teen participation, due to a faulty understanding of what teens' roles in the church should be. The presumption was that teens should "earn" leadership rather than "learn" it. Teens were put into positions of "helpers" or "'gophers," thus the church was not providing opportunities for faith development or relationship building.

In 1996, I personally created the Youth Leadership Development Model which is based on a theory of mentorship. The team promotes teens serving as leaders in the …

Exploration And Analysis Of Corporate Social Responsibility: A Study Of Corporate Social Responsibility And Minnesota Organizations, Jessica A. Viljaste

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study was designed explore the importance and increase of corporate social responsibility and determine what response level of behavior and actions select Minnesota based organizations are currently practicing using the model and measurements of S. Prakash Sethi's "Dimensions of Corporate Social Performance: An Analytical Framework."

The results of my research show that the majority of the Minnesota organizations surveyed claim to be currently practicing at least proscriptive or reactive levels of behavior and action. More organizations claimed their behavior and actions as preventative in regard to their ethical norms, social accountability, and operating strategy than the other dimensions. One …

Influences On Sales Practices As Perceived By Individuals In A Sales Position, Kim M. Mcwilliams

Theses and Graduate Projects

There is no doubt that in today's business environment, organizations face stiff competition. Survival of the organization turns toward measurement of success by means of quantitative as compared to qualitative approaches. In other words, the raw sales numbers are often used as a measurement of success, not necessarily the quality of the sales transaction. The integral link between the organization's product and service to the customer resides with the sales associate. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of what influences personal ethics and attitudes regarding sales practices from the perspective or experience of the sales associate. …

Beyond Diversity: Multiculturalism In The Workplace, Jerry A. Fenner

Theses and Graduate Projects

Although traditional diversity training programs have increased awareness and sensitivity to issues such as race, gender and sexual orientation, the success of these programs may be enhanced by reframing them in terms of multiculturalism. This will allow the programs to be more accepted by everyone, since everyone can identify with several different cultures.

In this paper different facets of culture are first, identified and explored. The importance of culture as a screen or filter with which we face the world is discussed.

The second section of the paper makes a case as to why it is in the economic best …

The Language Of Leadership, Lisa K. Larsen

Theses and Graduate Projects

Companies serve their constituents, produce goods and sell services through the relationships they build which serve to increase the company's market share. This sustains the business. Otherwise, they are forgotten. This appears to be the case with any viable company. Companies, across many industries, cultivate their relationships by utilizing many economic and social tools. But, no tool is more important to gain a corporation competitive edge than the corporate commodity called jargon. I began thinking of the corporate arena as a place that needs effective leadership to explain the jargon that describes it. I decided to investigate the common business …

Service Learning In The Curriculum: A Model For Elementary Educators, Steven H. Miller

Theses and Graduate Projects

This application project was developed to serve as an example and a guide for elementary teachers in the Hopkins Public School District on how service learning and existing curriculum can he combined to benefit and enhance student learning. The project reviews the current literature about service learning, provides information on it's history, and explains what some researchers believe are the best practices of the concept.

Included in this application project is an example of service learning that has been conducted with fifth grade students. The example describes the service performed and how the curriculum at that level was integrated with …

Multicultural Awareness And Understanding: A Corporate Leadership Perspective, Michelle L. Jones

Theses and Graduate Projects

In the 1980s and 1990s there has been a focus in corporate training programs on the subjects of diversity and multiculturalism. There have been a variety of studies conducted to address the effectiveness of corporate diversity training programs, and suggestions have been made in the studies to make corporate diversity training programs worthwhile. This paper will analyze some of the elements that have been suggested for effective corporate diversity training and distill the most beneficial of these. The role of leaders in corporate multicultural awareness and understanding will be discussed. From these considerations is developed a guide for a corporate …

Applying The Servant-Leadership Theory To A Native American Woman Executive., Michelle L. Jones

Theses and Graduate Projects

At the time of my study, my Subject was the Director of a non-profit organization that exists to assistNative American artists in a variety of ways. The Group seeks to provide grants for artists, just as other artistic organizations do, but they go beyond that. The Group wants to assist the whole person, and so nurtures the soul as well as the artistic endeavors of the individual. Beyond this, the Group reaches out to the Native American conrmunity at large to help the people live amongst the dominant culture and retain their own culture and dignity. My Subject granted this …

Mind Shift: From A Total Institution To The White Collar World, Carol J. Seiler

Theses and Graduate Projects

This paper examines the obstacles that released inmates face in gaining employment and being successfully employed, how these obstacles might be overcome, studies and recommendations in the area of correctional education, and the role education and prison employment play in reducing recidivism. It further relates these topics to the leadership and training and employment focus of Stillwater Systems, Inc. (SSI), a non-profit, self-sustaining, company that operates inside the confines of the Lino Lakes Correctional Facility, Lino Lakes, Minnesota. Effective and visionary leadership in this complex and unique business setting is crucial to the survival of Stillwater Systems. The style and …

Taking The High Road: A Case Study In The Value-Based Approach To Leadership, Lois J. Larson

Theses and Graduate Projects

The purpose of this qualitative study was to discover the impact of the infusion of core values in the workplace on leader/follower behavior. A hybrid of transformational leadership and servant-leadership theories called the value-based approach to leadership was used for analysis of data gathered. Conclusions indicate that infusion of core values has a positive impact on follower trust, support for followers as holistic persons builds commitment, and a positive organizational culture binds individuals into a common group with shared goals. Anecdotal evidence provided indicates transference of core values from followers to customers, influencing customer satisfaction.

Conflict In The Workplace: Fundamentals Of Identification, Manngement, And Resolution For Leadership, Lois J. Larson

Theses and Graduate Projects

Conflict is an attribute of the human condition and it will always be present. Leaders must understand the conflict process and learn when to intervene to reduce stress for employees and promote a healthy exchange of ideas. The purpose of this independent project was to fill a need for training in the area of conflict resolution in the workplace. This document is written as a primer for leadership to learn about conflict origins and to teach skills of resolution of workplace disagreements.

A Leadership Case Study: Application Of Burns' Transformational Leadership Theory, Ann Paulsen Cahill

Theses and Graduate Projects

James McGregor Burns defines transformational leadership as leaders seeking power to implement an agendn to help others lead better lives, and to enhsnce their ability to positively influence the world around them. The two essentials of power are mative and resource, Burns contends that transformational leaders will use them both to elevate the moral standing of society. The following research was conducted using James McGregor Burns' Transformational Leadership lheory as a foundntion for studying a leader in the business world. By understanding this leadership theory, the resesrcher was able to apply these characterisffcs to the leader and make conclusions regarding …

Jesus Christ As Leadership Model: Servant, Charismatic, Transformational, Johnnie B. Williams

Theses and Graduate Projects

While reading Servant Leadership by Robert GreenLeaf and other studies on servant leadership, the idea of comparing Jesus' life to servant leadership became an area of interest. The leadership style of Jesus seemed to be a good area for my research given my interest in religion and my course work in leadership education. Having thought of Jesus only in terms of a religious figure, it was exciting for me to explore his life and message from a different perspective. This paper is written not as the ultimate treatise on religion, because I doubt that will ever be written, but rather …

A Leadership Case Study: Application Of Koestenbaum's Diamond Leadership Theory, Ann E. Paulsen

Theses and Graduate Projects

Peter Koestenbaum's Diamond Leadership Theory illustrates how a leader's greatness can be evaluated by looking at four different categories: ethics, courage, reality, and vision. According to his Diamond Leadership Theory, he stresses that all four dimensions must be equally developed and balanced, in both the personal and professional life of the leader. Koestenbaum contends that a balanced leader will show leadership skills in all aspects, not just in their professional lives.

The following research was conducted using the Diamond Leadership Theory as a foundation for studying a leader in the business world. By understanding these basic principles, the researcher was …

Developing Leaders, Teresa Ann Cook

Theses and Graduate Projects

The following study takes a snapshot of the MAL program, describing the experience of students between 1987 and 1996. Seven students were interviewed. These students were asked to describe what motivated them, what they experienced in the master's program and what they believed were the benefits of participation. "Why Leadership?" The qualities necessary for assuring leadership are nurtured by the interdisciplinary nature of this liberal arts program. Students gain self-confidence and courage to approach new situations. Students' commitment to leadership is nurtured by study in the MAL program. The history of the development of the Master of Arts in Leadership …

Leaders In A Technologically Dispersed Work Environment, Beth A. Peroutka

Theses and Graduate Projects

This study was designed to compare leaders and their employees to determine characteristics needed to successfully succeed in a virtual work environment and to compare and contrast expectations of characteristics needed in a traditional versus a virtual office environment. These characteristics were compared with Stephen Covey's Principled Centered Leadership Model to determine if deviation in the virtual office will imply a need to change his leadership model.

Although there are differences in traditional office environments versus virtual work environment, Covey's Principled Centered Leadership Model still essentially holds true. The leadership characteristics that will apply in a virtual office environment are …

Women Entrepreneurs: Bypassing The Glass Ceiling By Building Their Own Businesses, Karen Fouks

Theses and Graduate Projects

The existence of a so-called "glass ceiling" that prevents the advancement of qualified women to the top levels of corporate management continues to be a topic for debate. An examination of this issue reveals a spectrum of viewpoints ranging from strong belief that the glass ceiling is a problem to firm denial that the glass ceiling exists. On the assumption that the phenomenon cornmonly referred to as the glass ceiling provides a description of a social problem even as its causes and effects remain open to debate, the researcher explores the options available to women who find themselves in a …

A Training Model For Teaching Peer Coaching And Self Reflection, Suzanne Wescott-Roper

Theses and Graduate Projects

This project addresses the need for teachers to study their own practices and identify effective practices for making changes and implementing new learning. It also posed a need for supporting teachers in today's changing educational system. The author researched four major areas: self reflection, portfolios, peer coaching and adult learning in a quest to learn more about techniques to encourage life long learning and continued professional development. The author then enhanced the existing peer coaching training in the Eden Prairie School district by embedding some of the new learning from the research. The major changes to the training model include …

A Systems Modeling Approach To Strategic Educational Enrollment Planning, Thomas A. Larson

Theses and Graduate Projects

This research examines the challenge leaders in higher education face as they plan for future enrollment outcomes in a transforming environment marked by changing enrollment patterns. The general principles of strategic planning provide a conceptual framework from which to address the challenges inherent in preparing for an uncertain future. Within this conceptual framework of strategic planning, systems thinking and computer modeling are offered as valuable tools to help enrollment managers effectively address the challenges of enrollment planning. Based on the principles and practices of systems thinking, a computer model outlining the enrollment process is developed. This computer model is used …

Is The Vice President Of My Work Organization A Principle-Centered Leader?, S Robert Smith

Theses and Graduate Projects

This case study focuses on the leadership theory used by the Vice President (VP) of a 500 employee organization within a large multinational corporation. The problem addressed is whether this VP is a principle-centered leader. This is a leadership theory championed by Stephen R. Covey. The Covey Leadership Center works with thousands of organizations throughout the world to educate them on principle-centered leadership. Although the available literature is limited to Covey, the similarities to ethical leadership theory are addressed in the literature review. Data collected from researcher observations experience, and interviews is evaluated against principle-centered leadership criteria. This evaluation and …

Developing A Racial Consciousness In The White Leader, Elizabeth A. Campbell

Theses and Graduate Projects

This thesis addresses how racism affects the leadership practice of the white leader in the United States. The researcher did a self-analysis of her own spiritual and psychological development, as a white leader, from birth to age 35. The researcher used her own narrative as the primary source of data. Secondary resources were used to interpret this data. The researcher argues that the United States is a nation in which social life is still largely governed by the belief in the intellectual, cultural and moral superiority of whites, or the doctrine of white supremacy.

The researcher argues further that the …

The Leadership-Mentoring Connection: An Exploration, John W. Hurst

Theses and Graduate Projects

Mentoring is a process dating back to the times of the ancient Greeks. In modern times, key mentoring activities remain unchanged: mentors guide a proteges development. Today, this development encompasses many things, including leadership. This study began as an exploration of the mentoring-leadership link. This study sought to determine how mentor and leader roles overlap, and if mentoring was significant in leadership development. The study approach was two pronged: first, a limited leadership and mentoring literature review; and second, a survey of people with mentoring-leadership experiences.

Some literature sources confirmed limited mentoring-leadership links. A few reported specific mentoring benefits with …