This study examined the qualitatively different ways in which experienced pastoral mentors made meaning of multiple agency roles when faced with decision-making during a moral dilemma. The framework of agency, traditionally discussed on a single plane, was viewed as occurring on complex, multiple levels in life, affecting the decision-making observed in the exemplary value traits of mentors. These mentors were seen as those whom psychologist Abraham Maslow (1970) described as peak performers.

Phenomenography was used to better understand the variation in ways participants made meaning of both their decision-making and their multiple agency roles. Seven participants provided data through in-depth, semi-structured, open-ended, qualitative interviews that were examined using phenomenography, Maslow's model of peak-experience traits, and the biblical model of the Fruit of the Spirit traits. Mentors made meaning of decision-making through categories of faith, values, past experiences, outcomes, and moral dilemmas. Life experience played a key role in how their decisions changed over time. They also perceived multiple agency in categories of stratified, prioritized, prioritized/unified, and unified agency.

The study findings support both trait models. The findings also suggest understanding of both trait and agency theories that was not present in the literature reviewed.

KEY WORDS: Leadership, Mentoring, Decision-making, Ethics, Agency