Date of Award
12-1993
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Peter Northouse
Second Advisor
Dr. Laura See
Third Advisor
Dr. Uldis Smidchens
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Thelma Urbick
Abstract
Leadership is one of the most important, yet least understood, phenomena on earth. Many researchers have investigated leadership traits, activities, behaviors, and processes; yet, until B u m s (1978), few researchers distinguished between leadership that is "transactional" and leadership that is "transformational." Transformational leadership, says Bums, occurs "when one or more persons engage with others in such a way that leaders and followers raise one another to higher levels of motivation and morality" (p. 20) .
Since Bums, few studies of transformational leadership have examined leaders who appeal to higher values or leaders who challenge individuals, organizations, and societies to make principled decisions that raise consciousness, transcend opposing perspectives, or serve the common good. The purpose of this study is to investigate the nature of transformational leadership; to leam what drives, motivates, and concerns leaders who facilitate transformation; and to explain some factors that contribute to transformational leadership. This study hypothesizes that transformational leaders reflect a different world view (consciousness), different values, and different skills than other leaders. Using the Hall-Tonna Values Inventory (Hall, 1986), the study compares the levels of consciousness, values, and skills of transformational leaders and a comparison group.
The transformational leaders in this study reflected higher levels of consciousness, pursued different values, depended less on instrumental and interpersonal skills, and used more imaginal and systems skills than did the comparison leaders. The research demonstrates, therefore, that transformational leaders do reflect a different world view (consciousness), different values, and different skills than other leaders.
Access Setting
Dissertation-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Schmidt, John E ., "Transformational Leadership: The Relationship Between Consciousness, Values, and Skills" (1993). Dissertations. 1882.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/dissertations/1882