UVM Theses and Dissertations
Format:
Print
Author:
Allo, Janine M.
Dept./Program:
College of Education and Social Services
Year:
2004
Degree:
Ed. D.
Abstract:
Leadership theory has evolved from trait theories that concentrate on a leader's qualities and abilities, to situational theories that concentrate on particular situations to transformational theories, which explore how leaders transform followers into leaders. These theories have intersected with theories of gender and leadership, relational leadership, critical feminist theory and women and public policy leadership. This qualitative study positioned within these theories, explores "What is relational leadership in policymaking?" Interviews of ten women leaders in public service explore their leadership stories. This study proposes a relational leadership theoretical perspective based on the interconnection between multiple positionalities of self and multiple contexts. Included is a partial gender analysis and suggestions for the development of interdisciplinary relational leaders.
Three elements of a relational leadership perspective emerged. Enlarging the Perspective of Self as Leader: From Individual Achievement to Shared Benefits involves exploration of the leader's self in relation. Relational leaders use a calm and confident manner, balance between self interest and other's interests including how they take credit, view leadership within contexts of whole selves and whole lives and advocate for serial leadership supported through mentoring. Engaging the Process of Leadership: From Independent Authority to Shared Responsibilities involves actions moving from a control ideology toward one of mutual engagement and empowerment in an overall process of collaboration. Relational leaders use inclusion, employ their power wisely and generate conversation and share information.
Expanding the Practice of Leadership to Include Community: From Individual and Organizational Values to Shared Societal Values involves the tension between individual and organizational values and shared community values. Relational leaders act as catalysts for organizational and societal change through breaking down intra and inter organizational barriers to be more responsive to shared community values, they reach across the divides of public and private organizational spheres to build the broadest coalition for developing public policy and they energize and mobilize both their individual organization and the public to create community discourses that preserve the fundamental tenets of democratic citizen participation.
Three elements of a relational leadership perspective emerged. Enlarging the Perspective of Self as Leader: From Individual Achievement to Shared Benefits involves exploration of the leader's self in relation. Relational leaders use a calm and confident manner, balance between self interest and other's interests including how they take credit, view leadership within contexts of whole selves and whole lives and advocate for serial leadership supported through mentoring. Engaging the Process of Leadership: From Independent Authority to Shared Responsibilities involves actions moving from a control ideology toward one of mutual engagement and empowerment in an overall process of collaboration. Relational leaders use inclusion, employ their power wisely and generate conversation and share information.
Expanding the Practice of Leadership to Include Community: From Individual and Organizational Values to Shared Societal Values involves the tension between individual and organizational values and shared community values. Relational leaders act as catalysts for organizational and societal change through breaking down intra and inter organizational barriers to be more responsive to shared community values, they reach across the divides of public and private organizational spheres to build the broadest coalition for developing public policy and they energize and mobilize both their individual organization and the public to create community discourses that preserve the fundamental tenets of democratic citizen participation.