Predicting Leadership Practices From Spirituality in Female Leaders of Corporations
by Johnson, Claudia Fatola, Ph.D., WALDEN UNIVERSITY, 2012, 157 pages; 3494945

Abstract:

The growing presence of women in leadership positions has sparked an increased interest in women's leadership practices. A limited number of publications have acknowledged spirituality as an important variable in woman's leadership style. Further research is needed to examine the relationship between spirituality and leadership practices. This quantitative study sought to determine whether leadership practices of female corporate leaders can be predicted from their spirituality. The theoretical foundation was grounded in Fry's spiritual leadership theory. Fry's theory integrates relevant leader-and-follower higher-order needs and cultural and organizational effectiveness into a causal model framework. Three survey instruments—the Inventory on Spirituality (IS), the Leadership Practices Inventory-Self (LPI-Self), and the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ)—were used in this survey. Multiple linear regression and bivariate correlations were used to analyze data from the surveys completed by 181 female leaders of corporations. Results revealed significant relationships between spirituality and female leadership practices of inspiring a shared vision, modeling the way, and encouraging the heart, and challenging the process. Implications for positive social change include encouraging future research and promoting better understanding of the relationship between spirituality and leadership in female leaders of corporations. This can lead to increased leadership effectiveness, employee satisfaction, and more productive workplaces.

 
AdviserStacy Orr Sprague
SchoolWALDEN UNIVERSITY
SourceDAI/B 73-06, p. , Mar 2012
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsWomen's studies; Occupational psychology; Spirituality; Organizational behavior
Publication Number3494945
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