Brett L. Whitaker and Justin P. Greenleaf
Leadership educators face unique challenges in identifying relevant reading materials for their courses. This paper explores the utility of course packs as a tool to address the…
Abstract
Leadership educators face unique challenges in identifying relevant reading materials for their courses. This paper explores the utility of course packs as a tool to address the limitations of traditional textbooks. We describe the process of development for designing a course pack for an undergraduate Leadership Education course. Following this, beneficial outcomes and limitations of course packs are identified and strategies for overcoming the limitations are presented. The paper concludes with reflections of faculty that have implemented a course pack along with recommendations for implementation.
Justin Greenleaf and Brent Goertzen
This case study explores student learning outcomes from a student-led eService-learning (SLESL) course. The researchers interviewed 12 participants in addition to evaluating final…
Abstract
This case study explores student learning outcomes from a student-led eService-learning (SLESL) course. The researchers interviewed 12 participants in addition to evaluating final reflection papers. Data analysis yielded three general categories including leadership insights, personal growth and development, and overcoming community obstacles. Leadership insights were comprised of five emergent themes such as leadership lessons learned, collaboration, communication, influence, and other leadership theories. Personal growth and development included seven themes such as personal challenge, personal awareness, practical application, personal affect, personal self-efficacy, self-efficacy toward future involvement, and service-learning insights. The final category, overcoming community obstacles, was encompassed by three themes including community challenge, insights about others, and innovation. Transferability of the findings along with implications for practice are discussed.
Justin Greenleaf, Lori Kniffin, Kaley Klaus and Megan Rust
Mind mapping can be a pedagogical tool that helps students brainstorm how to organize information in a way that incorporates creative and active learning, as well as critical…
Abstract
Mind mapping can be a pedagogical tool that helps students brainstorm how to organize information in a way that incorporates creative and active learning, as well as critical thinking. In this article, we describe the application of using mind maps in an undergraduate course focused on teaching leadership theory as an effort to help students think more holistically about how theories intersect with their lives. The assignment description, rubric, and details of the application are provided. Examples of ways students have organized their maps to integrate theories into their lives (e.g., based on themselves, organizations, or metaphors) are also included. Through this practice, we found that mind mapping leadership concepts to areas of students’ lives develop their ability to describe how leadership theories operate holistically in their life, rather than limiting their understanding to one or two popular theories. We recommend leadership educators consider mind mapping as a pedagogical tool to teach theories and other content that require understanding in a broader context.
Curt Brungardt, Justin Greenleaf, Christie Brungardt and Jill Arensdorf
The purpose of this qualitative study was to compare and contrast the leadership major in identified programs from universities in the United States. This was done in an attempt…
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to compare and contrast the leadership major in identified programs from universities in the United States. This was done in an attempt to develop a foundation for the leadership discipline. Utilizing interviews, surveys, websites, and evaluation of school materials as data sources, an initial list of 70 schools was narrowed to 15 upon examination of their academic curricula. A thorough evaluation of these 15 leadership degree programs was then conducted. Noticeable differences included varied school sizes, host departments, and credit hour requirements. Other inconsistencies included the focus of the program, the major scholars evident within the curricula, and the disparity between theory versus skill development. Recommendations include further study of other leadership programs across the nation, examination of leadership graduates in the workforce, and collaboration among leadership programs nationwide.
Yousef Al Hosani, Fauzia Jabeen, Justin Paul and Agata Stachowicz-Stanusch
The objective of this study was to examine the significant factors leading to employee alienation in post-merger integration (PMI).
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this study was to examine the significant factors leading to employee alienation in post-merger integration (PMI).
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 482 middle- and low-level employees in two organizations in the real estate and banking sectors in the United Arab Emirates. The analysis was carried out using structural equation modeling (SEM).
Findings
Organizational justice, employee commitment, organizational trust, perceived effectiveness of human resource (HR) initiatives and employee communication strategy played an important role in developing or mitigating a feeling of alienation among employees during PMI. Employee tenure in the organization affected individual work performance.
Research limitations/implications
The study was limited to middle- and low-level employees and did not consider other organizational variables important in mergers. This study will help merger strategists to deliver appropriate HR practices during PMI, facilitating mitigation of uncertainties among employees and maximizing their trust and commitment.
Originality/value
The study results will help organizations understand employee trust, commitment and determinants in an emerging economy.
Details
Keywords
Matthew Johnson and Justin Woodard
Undergraduate leadership courses are becoming increasingly important venues to promote civic engagement. Despite their prominence, the nature of civic engagement in leadership…
Abstract
Undergraduate leadership courses are becoming increasingly important venues to promote civic engagement. Despite their prominence, the nature of civic engagement in leadership courses has not been examined systematically. This study examined 77 introductory undergraduate leadership courses and the role of civic engagement in these courses. Results indicate that civic engagement components are not widely utilized, and when they are part of the curricula, their implementation and design vary. Recommendations for improving undergraduate leadership curricula are offered.
Justin Harris, Jacklyn Bruce and David Jones
The purpose of this study was to understand the types of texts currently being used and recommended within the field of leadership education. Data triangulation methods were used…
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to understand the types of texts currently being used and recommended within the field of leadership education. Data triangulation methods were used to identify academic and popular texts for a content analysis. Themes emerged relating to context, writing style, method, and content.
In the literature there is very little exploration on how the Tibetan approach in leadership may be relevant for management. Here, for the first time, the paper discusses the…
Abstract
Purpose
In the literature there is very little exploration on how the Tibetan approach in leadership may be relevant for management. Here, for the first time, the paper discusses the ancient yet continuing practice of succession in leadership of the Kagyu Karma School of Tibetan Buddhism within the context of management practices. In so doing, the author suggests a theory of continuous consciousness for succession in leadership.
Design/methodology/approach
A multi‐method design is utilized in the research paper. First, the biographical literature on the 17 Karmapas is reviewed and content analyzed for insights: Who is the Karmapa? Second, the author, through a process of planned personal, activity‐based research, including field visits of ritual ceremonies, gathers insights on the Karmapa leadership in action. Furthermore, he was invited to host for HH The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje a forum on, “Living a Meaningful Life in the Contemporary Age”. Third, comparative analyses of tenure of leadership are made of different succession approaches: Karmapa versus other systems of succession, for example Chinese dynastic system (Yuan, Ming, Qing and Chinese Communist Party) are presented. Fourth, traits in the leadership of the Karmapa are portrayed: symbolically, the divine parasol through a rare photograph. A parallel symbolism of leadership, especially the motif of the Sun is drawn between the Tibetan Karmapa and Han Chinese Mao Zedong. For this, the artistic method of montage is utilized to the findings. Fifth, drawing upon research on psychology (nineteenth century German psychologist, Ebbinghaus), the author suggests the memory tests employed by the Tibetans for selection of successor have some scientific basis. Finally, in discussion on corporate vision; from a review of past biographies of 16 Karmapas and for the first time a taxonomical portrayal of the visionary experiences of His Holiness is presented.
Findings
The continuity in the leadership of the Karmapas over almost 912 years (1100 BCE to present) is certainly one of the most remarkable in the history of mankind. It is the longest lineage of spiritual leaders within the Chinese minority, of the Tibetan culture. Among the theory of leadership, the case of Karmapa reinforces strongly the role of personality traits. Every Karmapa, including the present 17th has to manifest certain traits or signs to gain continuing acceptance as leader of the spiritual community. In a very sharp contrast to the very short tenure of American CEOs (statistically, graphically presented), the tenure of leadership for Kagyu Karma School of Buddhism is life‐long. Indeed, uniquely as a Tibetan practices in succession, multi‐lifetimes. In this paper, the author discusses how modern corporations may draw insights from this as unique case of institutionalizing the sustainability of leadership. Perhaps, there is a case for expanding the current paradigm of leadership research?
Originality/value
This paper highlights the value of management learning through research from ancient religious or spiritual traditions. In this case, the focus is on leadership succession and it is hoped this paper will foster inter‐disciplinary (management and spirituality) research by scholars.