An examination of leadership approaches in Alcoholics Anonymous as perceived by its members

This research analyzed leadership dynamics within Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a 12-step recovery group that operates without traditional organizational structures. Although AA's Ninth Tradition emphasizes minimal formal organization, it allows the formation of service boards and committees. This contradiction raises questions about how AA functions effectively without a clearly defined leadership model. Using a qualitative approach, this study aimed to identify the type of leadership present within AA and explore its impact on maintaining sobriety. Additionally, the study examined AA members' perceptions of leadership and how leadership is reflected in the organization's practices. Applying the six-phase reflexive thematic analysis by (2006), this study identified themes such as Sponsorship as Leadership, Sobriety Length as Leadership, Community as Leadership, and Service as Leadership. The findings offer valuable insights into decentralized leadership in recovery organizations and its potential to support sustained sobriety and personal growth.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Author dc:creator

• Shaw, Kelly J

Contributors dc:contributor

• Rausch, David W.
• Crawford, Elizabeth K.; Harbison, John W.; Pipes, Ashleigh
• College of Health, Education, and Professional Studies

• Group psychotherapy--Methods
• Leadership--Psychological aspects
• Substance abuse--Relapse--Prevention
• Self-help groups--Treatment

Licence

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language

English, eng

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholar.utc.edu/theses/1066

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.utc.edu:theses-2248