14.1 Dissertation Notices

Bonnet, C. M. (2020). Leading from a transformed heart: A content analysis of Biblical pivotal moments in the life of the Apostle Peter. PhD, Regent University. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 27836374.

In this research, the author examined the significance of leading from a transformed heart by exploring the spiritual formation process of the Apostle Peter. The focus of the study was on the leadership lessons that could be learned through a qualitative content analysis of 11 Biblical pivotal moments purposefully selected from Peter’s life. The author also examined what transformed the Apostle Peter by moving him from cowardice to unshakable courage and what mandates existed regarding the lessons learned from Peter’s spiritual formation through the lens of a heart transformation perspective. It was important to determine whether these lessons and mandates could be replicated in organizational leadership, and if so, in what manner. The purpose of the study was to bring potential insights on how to develop an obedience like Peter as faith in action.

As part of the study, the author shared recommendations on the why and how for shaping the heart of Christian leaders as a part of their spiritual formation journey. Through the study of the Apostle Peter, this research contributed to scientific literature on contemporary leadership through leadership lessons and leadership principles that could be replicated in organizational leadership.

Danquah, C. J. (2020). Leadership imagery: Developing people with the right passion, attitudes, and knowledge for effective Christian leadership. DMin, Asbury Theological Seminary. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 28027304.

A focused strategy for developing young people for Christian leadership is necessary for the sustenance of the church. This project aimed to suggest ways of improving Christian leadership succession within the Methodist Church, Ghana (MCG). Training nextgeneration leaders should not be an afterthought. This project focused on a developmental strategy for young people to equip them with the right passion, attitudes, and knowledge for Christian leadership. The statement of the project’s problem, purpose, rationale, and relevant literature were considered to establish appropriate Biblical and theological foundations to ensure an effective approach in raising Christian leaders. The project considered the history of Christian leadership by observing the execution of God’s plan in the past through the development of young people. The research methodology of the nature, purpose, and participants with respect to criteria, ministry context, data collection, and analysis were also considered. Evidence for the project was then reviewed with respect to the preand post-test of the participants’ aptitudes.

Major findings are discussed to ascertain the implication for ministry. Additionally, unexpected observations are shared, and recommendations are provided for further study.

Hollins, C. (2020). The relationship between emotional intelligence competencies and leadership effectiveness. DBA, Capella University. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 27739007.

Leaders occupy a pivotal point in an organization, setting the tone and providing instructions and guidance. However, researchers believe emotional intelligence is not a significant predictor of leadership and that emotional intelligence has no influence on a leader’s success or leadership effectiveness. This correlational study used a sequential explanatory design to examine and explain the relationship between emotional intelligence competencies (i.e., personal competence, self-awareness, self-management, social competence, social awareness, and relationship management) and leadership effectiveness (i.e., leader action self-efficacy, leader self-regulation efficacy, and leader means efficacy) among senior managers, consisting of marines and civilians, who provide administration and resources to those who are in and work for the U.S. Marine Corps. The mixed-method study employed four semi-structured interviews and two online survey-based instruments, the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal and the Leader Efficacy Questionnaire.

The data were collected in two phases. The interviewees’ key themed points focused on emotions, selfawareness, motivation, influence, and leadership. The key themes related to emotional intelligence competencies and leadership effectiveness; all themes were noted in the literature review. The collaboration of findings determined a significant relationship between emotional intelligence competencies and leadership effectiveness.

Frey, J. D. (2019). The sustainability of nonprofit leaders: Principles and practices that encourage and restore personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness. PhD, Case Western Reserve University.   ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 28078958.

The personal sustainability of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) influences their effectiveness and thus, their organization’s performance. Leaders whose personal mission is too closely intertwined with their organization’s professional mission are at the most risk of experiencing diminished sustainability; defined as personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness over time. Suggestions have been made on combatting the issue, but the phenomenon of low sustainability persists among nonprofit leaders. By studying nonprofit organization leaders, this research elevates and preserves nonprofit organization leaders’ personal wellbeing while contributing to a growing body of knowledge on professional effectiveness.

Using mixed methods, a qualitative study was followed by a quantitative study at two time periods. Critical incident interviews for the qualitative study were conducted with twenty “sustainable” and ten “unsustainable” CEOs of diverse nonprofit organizations, as identified by trusted third-party raters. Interviews were also conducted with fifteen spouses. This work contributes to research streams about personal wellbeing and leadership effectiveness and has practical implications for nonprofit organizations’ leaders and stakeholders.

Plancich Shinners, J. (2020). Advancing leadership consciousness: Integrity from the inside out. EdD, Pepperdine University. ProQuest   Dissertations Publishing, 28153511.

A poll conducted by the World Economic Forum (2015) found that 86% of respondents perceive that we are facing a global leadership crisis. At the time of this study, the COVId19 pandemic has impacted the global ecology in dramatic and widespread ways. In light of this uncertain political, economic, sociological, and ecological climate, humanity requires consistent and reliable ways of developing exemplary leaders. This work examines consciousness research from a neuroscientific, philosophical, spiritual, behavioral, and psychological lens, which provides the foundational basis for the primary inquiry— whether leadership consciousness can be developed in an organizational setting. To meet these dynamic, high demand needs, new leadership development programs are required to cultivate integrated leaders that are adept at operating in the physical, analytical, emotional, relational, and spiritual domains. Thirteen mid-upper management leaders from around the world completed a 10-week virtual course and took pre- and post- Leadership Practices Inventory assessments in addition to a structured interview. The data was analyzed to understand each participants’ experience, perceived improvements to address their leadership challenges, and determine any quantitative changes in leadership efficacy. This study concludes with implications for leadership development to address our leadership crisis and leading during times of crisis.

Bunkowske, J. W. (2019). An analysis of Christian transformational leadership in secular organizations. PhD, Northcentral University. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 27544006.

Despite the focus of ethics as a positive attribute of Christianity, there continue to be boundaries set on religion in secular organizations because of the concept of separation of church and state being applied to secular organizations. This study used a narrative inquiry to collect the first-hand experience of Christian transformational leaders who work in secular organizations. From this study, it is now known that Christian leaders who practiced transformational leadership in secular organizations utilized Christian agape love beliefs and Christian agape love-based behaviors in their leadership practice. The results of the study expand the understanding of the Christian segment of  transformational leadership concerning previous research and theory. Adding the element of agape love to the existing transformational leadership elements of idealized influence, inspirational motivation, individualized consideration, and intellectual stimulation fulfills the study’s purpose of discovering the effects of practicing Christian transformational leadership in secular organizations. The richer understanding of Christian transformational leadership developed by adding agape love to the existing transformational leadership elements may help Christian transformational leaders better understand their leadership practice and thereby learn how to achieve excellent results in their leadership practice.