Inspirational leadership: the written theory versus the theory-in-action

The purpose of this study was to observe the leadership practices of Dr. Austin at Warren County Community College (WCCC), Washington, NJ versus the espoused leadership practices of inspirational leadership (Austin, 2009). The study also examined Dr. Austin's leadership qualities to determine ways they fit current effective practices as outlined by Kouzes and Posner (2001) and ways they deviate. A single case-study design was constructed and data were collected from interviews, observations, public announcements, and the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI). Data analysis suggests that Dr. Austin performed a variety of leadership practices that had a positive impact on WCCC. Findings suggest that Dr. Austin exhibited a majority of the leadership practices outlined in the espoused theory of inspirational leadership, although empowerment of every employee at the individual level was not observed. Findings also suggest that inspirational leadership creates and supports individuals that positively influence an organization's efficiency and ability to handle complex situations.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A. Higher Education

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Services, Administration, and Higher Education

Year dc:date.available

2014

Author dc:creator

• Dinn, David

Contributors dc:contributor

• Sisco, Burton

• Universities and colleges--Administration; Motivation (Psychology)
• Higher Education

Repository record dc:identifier

https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/261

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rdw.rowan.edu:etd-1260