sample research proposal on leadership

We use cookies to enhance our website for you. Proceed if you agree to this policy or learn more about it.

• Essay Database >
• Essays Samples >
• Essay Types >
• Research Proposal Example

Leadership Research Proposals Samples For Students

200 samples of this type

Do you feel the need to examine some previously written Research Proposals on Leadership before you get down to writing an own piece? In this free directory of Leadership Research Proposal examples, you are granted a fascinating opportunity to examine meaningful topics, content structuring techniques, text flow, formatting styles, and other academically acclaimed writing practices. Applying them while composing your own Leadership Research Proposal will surely allow you to finalize the piece faster.

Presenting the finest samples isn't the only way our free essays service can help students in their writing efforts – our experts can also create from scratch a fully customized Research Proposal on Leadership that would make a strong basis for your own academic work.

Free Research Proposal On Hitler and Nazi Germany

My best source: lee, stephen. "hitler and nazi germany." questions and analysis in history (2000)., example of research proposal on nypd commissioner bill brattons productivity and management, good example of problem statement research proposal, introduction.

Don't waste your time searching for a sample.

Get your research proposal done by professional writers!

Just from $10/page

Recommendations For Proposed Interventions Research Proposal Example

Organization leadership and change, developing cultural intelligent (cq) between american undergraduate students to research proposals examples, international leadership development based on cultural intelligence, example of research proposal on project proposal, free research proposal about drug law: elecronic search warrants and the use of electronic devices to deliver, biology research proposal examples, free santa anna research proposal sample, free research proposal on research question proposal, example of research proposal on 9. the rise of nazism in the 1920s. how and why did it start how did the german, the topic study outline research proposal example, free research proposal on association between modes of delivery, free research proposal on leadership strategies in multinational setting, business research proposal.

Project Aim The aim of this project is to evaluate the effective leadership style used by a multinational company based in Prague, Czech Republic.

Research Proposal On Homophobia

3. Review of previous research in the topic and justification for further research 4. Expected outcomes and their importance

Aims and objectives

The vision and mission of the proposal is to describe the root of homophobia (Cohen, 12). The thesis explains vividly these causes and how each leads to homophobia (Cohen, 19).

Proposed method

Research proposal on women in military, example of research proposal on justification.

Leadership Development Programs as a Tool to Facilitate Successful Management Performance in Local Companies in Russia after the Introduction of a Market-Oriented Economy

Example Of Research Proposal On Human Resource Management Practice Employee Training And Development

Identification and outline of chosen practice: employee training and development.

All organisations need to manage their resources effectively. This includes resources of all types, financial, mechanical, information and people. Managing the people involves not just administrating them in terms of operations but also ensuring that you take care of their aspirations for learning and growth. Ensuring that employees are trained not only in the skills needed to perform their operational tasks, but also in elements that will enhance their leadership skills will in turn increase their productivity and make them more effective in their roles; thus contributing directly to the bottom line. .

The Effect Of Student Leadership In University Classroom Management And Attendance: A Sample Research Proposal For Inspiration & Mimicking

The effect of student leadership in university classroom management on attendance, effective and successful new organizational communication structure: a research proposal research proposal.

(Final Paper)

COM425 and Description

Write by example of this leadership in operations management research proposal, good research proposal on leadership conundrum.

1. Leadership Conundrum to focus on Assertiveness is the leadership conundrum I would like to address. As a leader, I would like to know how to be assertive when communicating and interacting with the people whom I lead.

Why Some Business Areas Choose To Work In Isolation From It) Research Proposal

Introduction 3 Review of Literature 3 Research Methodology 6 Rationale 6 Objectives 7 Research Question 7 Theories: Resource Based Theory 7 Research Design 7 Procedure 7 Data Collection 8 Data Analysis 8 Reliability 8 Ethical Issues 9 Discussion 9 Conclusion 9

References 10

This leader’s family was not involved in the hospitality industry research proposal samples, industry leader: harland david sanders.

Industry Leader: Harland David Sanders 1. Name of my Industry Leader (IL): Harland David Sanders 2. My IL worked in the fast food chicken restaurant chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) part of the industry and his specific job was the whole company’s goodwill ambassador and he was the corporate symbol of KFC. 3. Some biographic Facts about Sanders: -He lived from September 9, 1890 to December 16, 1980 -He was born in Henryville city, Indiana in the US, to Margaret Ann and Wilbur David Sanders.

Free Research Proposal On Environmental Assessment And Strategic Planning

Feathers fashion, draw topic & writing ideas from this research proposal on lord of the flies.

Golding, W. (1954). Lord of the Flies. New York, NY: Penguin. (Pp. 1-297)

Free Research Proposal About Gender Awareness In Information Technology Companies (7 Pages)

Co monitor purchase proposal: a sample research proposal for inspiration & mimicking, good example of research proposal on the effects of multicultural classrooms on early childhood education, chapter one, good example of sustainable hazard management planning & environmental impacts. research proposal, free the mcdonald's company research proposal sample, the mcdonald’s company, research proposal on glass ceiling effect, good proposed solution research proposal example.

Amongst mentally ill patients at high risk for early readmission, does the utilization of a multi-component transition care plan as compared to usual care help to improve early readmission rates?

Example Of Egl 1010: Composite 1 Research Proposal

Aggressive behavior influence by media violence, good example of what effects and or contributions can childcare in the workforce provide for america research proposal, cultural psychology research proposal examples, employee morale and job satisfaction research proposal examples, executive summary, forward. research proposal examples, status of the document., sustaining a strong marketing competitive advantage research proposal, relies on an ethical corporate culture, evaluation of the role of human factors in offshore platforms and systems in uk research proposal example, the effect of education on the religious behavior and religious attendance of muslims research proposal examples, research proposal on turkey, exemplar research proposal on aims to write after, example of research proposal on electric vehicles versus conventional fuel engines, example of a change proposal for branch m of the xyz company research proposal, hospitals go green research proposal samples, technical writing.

Introduction Many hospitals go against the practice of sustainable of development and environmental conservation. They contribute to pollution and environmental destruction through emission of carbon into the atmosphere, water wastage, unhealthy food and misuse of energy. These actions not only destroy the environmental but also contribute to high disease prevalence (HealthIT 2012). The concept of green hospitals has evolved over time to offer answers to some of the challenges.

Example Of Research Proposal On Statement Of The Problem

New employees onboarding research proposal, diabetes: research proposal research proposal example, diabetes in america: research proposal, free research proposal about the opportunities of implementing corporate social responsibility, and its advantages when following amazon, google and microsoft, the opportunities of implementing corporate social responsibility, and its advantages when following amazon, google and microsoft, effective communication in the workplace: the relationship between employee performance and organizational communication research proposal samples, literature review, effective communication in the workplace: the relationship between employee performance and organizational communication research proposals example, google’s strategies research proposal examples.

mmmmm dd, yyyy

Best Value Discipline

Good example of research proposal on the rise of the nation state system - impact of church and feudalism on europe's, good research proposal about the struggle of the civil rights of the 1960s.

Thesis: Because they focused on correcting legal discrimination instead of social discrimination, African Americans gained greater equality during the 1960s through the efforts of the NAACP and civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

Example Of Research Proposal On Contemporary Issues In Business

Do top managers need a crystal ball: an analysis with a special focus on abu dhabi national hotels., exploring the psychological contracts of academics in the middle east: a comparison research proposals examples, introduction and background:, exxonmobil image-building in the environmental landscape research proposal example, situation analysis -, example of effects of the euro crisis on us automotive industry research proposal.

The Euro Crisis had a significant impact on the US automotive Industry. This is because this crisis led to a decline in the automotive industry sales, and thus, impacted the overall economy of the country. This study focuses on the effects of the euro crisis on us automotive industry. As a result of the vastness of the automotive industry, this research is narrowed down to the three key automotive industries in US including Ford, Chrysler and General Motors (GM). The research uses a qualitative approach to arrive at its findings on the effects of the Euro crisis on US automotive industry.

The Role Of China In The Relation Between Thailand And Cambodia Research Proposal

Background of the study.

Password recovery email has been sent to [email protected]

Use your new password to log in

You are not register!

By clicking Register, you agree to our Terms of Service and that you have read our Privacy Policy .

Now you can download documents directly to your device!

Check your email! An email with your password has already been sent to you! Now you can download documents directly to your device.

or Use the QR code to Save this Paper to Your Phone

The sample is NOT original!

Short on a deadline?

Don't waste time. Get help with 11% off using code - GETWOWED

No, thanks! I'm fine with missing my deadline

Research Proposal Example/Sample

Detailed Walkthrough + Free Proposal Template

If you’re getting started crafting your research proposal and are looking for a few examples of research proposals , you’ve come to the right place.

In this video, we walk you through two successful (approved) research proposals , one for a Master’s-level project, and one for a PhD-level dissertation. We also start off by unpacking our free research proposal template and discussing the four core sections of a research proposal, so that you have a clear understanding of the basics before diving into the actual proposals.

• Research proposal example/sample – Master’s-level (PDF/Word)
• Research proposal example/sample – PhD-level (PDF/Word)
• Proposal template (Fully editable) 

If you’re working on a research proposal for a dissertation or thesis, you may also find the following useful:

• Research Proposal Bootcamp : Learn how to write a research proposal as efficiently and effectively as possible
• 1:1 Proposal Coaching : Get hands-on help with your research proposal

FAQ: Research Proposal Example

Research proposal example: frequently asked questions, are the sample proposals real.

Yes. The proposals are real and were approved by the respective universities.

Can I copy one of these proposals for my own research?

As we discuss in the video, every research proposal will be slightly different, depending on the university’s unique requirements, as well as the nature of the research itself. Therefore, you’ll need to tailor your research proposal to suit your specific context.

You can learn more about the basics of writing a research proposal here .

How do I get the research proposal template?

You can access our free proposal template here .

Is the proposal template really free?

Yes. There is no cost for the proposal template and you are free to use it as a foundation for your research proposal.

Where can I learn more about proposal writing?

For self-directed learners, our Research Proposal Bootcamp is a great starting point.

For students that want hands-on guidance, our private coaching service is recommended.

Psst… there’s more!

This post is an extract from our bestselling Udemy Course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

You Might Also Like:

I am at the stage of writing my thesis proposal for a PhD in Management at Altantic International University. I checked on the coaching services, but it indicates that it’s not available in my area. I am in South Sudan. My proposed topic is: “Leadership Behavior in Local Government Governance Ecosystem and Service Delivery Effectiveness in Post Conflict Districts of Northern Uganda”. I will appreciate your guidance and support

GRADCOCH is very grateful motivated and helpful for all students etc. it is very accorporated and provide easy access way strongly agree from GRADCOCH.

Proposal research departemet management

I am at the stage of writing my thesis proposal for a masters in Analysis of w heat commercialisation by small holders householdrs at Hawassa International University. I will appreciate your guidance and support

please provide a attractive proposal about foreign universities .It would be your highness.

comparative constitutional law

Kindly guide me through writing a good proposal on the thesis topic; Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Financial Inclusion in Nigeria. Thank you

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Print Friendly

17 Research Proposal Examples

A research proposal systematically and transparently outlines a proposed research project.

The purpose of a research proposal is to demonstrate a project’s viability and the researcher’s preparedness to conduct an academic study. It serves as a roadmap for the researcher.

The process holds value both externally (for accountability purposes and often as a requirement for a grant application) and intrinsic value (for helping the researcher to clarify the mechanics, purpose, and potential signficance of the study).

Key sections of a research proposal include: the title, abstract, introduction, literature review, research design and methods, timeline, budget, outcomes and implications, references, and appendix. Each is briefly explained below.

Watch my Guide: How to Write a Research Proposal

Get your Template for Writing your Research Proposal Here (With AI Prompts!)

Research Proposal Sample Structure

Title: The title should present a concise and descriptive statement that clearly conveys the core idea of the research projects. Make it as specific as possible. The reader should immediately be able to grasp the core idea of the intended research project. Often, the title is left too vague and does not help give an understanding of what exactly the study looks at.

Abstract: Abstracts are usually around 250-300 words and provide an overview of what is to follow – including the research problem , objectives, methods, expected outcomes, and significance of the study. Use it as a roadmap and ensure that, if the abstract is the only thing someone reads, they’ll get a good fly-by of what will be discussed in the peice.

Introduction: Introductions are all about contextualization. They often set the background information with a statement of the problem. At the end of the introduction, the reader should understand what the rationale for the study truly is. I like to see the research questions or hypotheses included in the introduction and I like to get a good understanding of what the significance of the research will be. It’s often easiest to write the introduction last

Literature Review: The literature review dives deep into the existing literature on the topic, demosntrating your thorough understanding of the existing literature including themes, strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the literature. It serves both to demonstrate your knowledge of the field and, to demonstrate how the proposed study will fit alongside the literature on the topic. A good literature review concludes by clearly demonstrating how your research will contribute something new and innovative to the conversation in the literature.

Research Design and Methods: This section needs to clearly demonstrate how the data will be gathered and analyzed in a systematic and academically sound manner. Here, you need to demonstrate that the conclusions of your research will be both valid and reliable. Common points discussed in the research design and methods section include highlighting the research paradigm, methodologies, intended population or sample to be studied, data collection techniques, and data analysis procedures . Toward the end of this section, you are encouraged to also address ethical considerations and limitations of the research process , but also to explain why you chose your research design and how you are mitigating the identified risks and limitations.

Timeline: Provide an outline of the anticipated timeline for the study. Break it down into its various stages (including data collection, data analysis, and report writing). The goal of this section is firstly to establish a reasonable breakdown of steps for you to follow and secondly to demonstrate to the assessors that your project is practicable and feasible.

Budget: Estimate the costs associated with the research project and include evidence for your estimations. Typical costs include staffing costs, equipment, travel, and data collection tools. When applying for a scholarship, the budget should demonstrate that you are being responsible with your expensive and that your funding application is reasonable.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: A discussion of the anticipated findings or results of the research, as well as the potential contributions to the existing knowledge, theory, or practice in the field. This section should also address the potential impact of the research on relevant stakeholders and any broader implications for policy or practice.

References: A complete list of all the sources cited in the research proposal, formatted according to the required citation style. This demonstrates the researcher’s familiarity with the relevant literature and ensures proper attribution of ideas and information.

Appendices (if applicable): Any additional materials, such as questionnaires, interview guides, or consent forms, that provide further information or support for the research proposal. These materials should be included as appendices at the end of the document.

Research Proposal Examples

Research proposals often extend anywhere between 2,000 and 15,000 words in length. The following snippets are samples designed to briefly demonstrate what might be discussed in each section.

1. Education Studies Research Proposals

See some real sample pieces:

• Assessment of the perceptions of teachers towards a new grading system
• Does ICT use in secondary classrooms help or hinder student learning?
• Digital technologies in focus project
• Urban Middle School Teachers’ Experiences of the Implementation of
• Restorative Justice Practices
• Experiences of students of color in service learning

Consider this hypothetical education research proposal:

The Impact of Game-Based Learning on Student Engagement and Academic Performance in Middle School Mathematics

Abstract: The proposed study will explore multiplayer game-based learning techniques in middle school mathematics curricula and their effects on student engagement. The study aims to contribute to the current literature on game-based learning by examining the effects of multiplayer gaming in learning.

Introduction: Digital game-based learning has long been shunned within mathematics education for fears that it may distract students or lower the academic integrity of the classrooms. However, there is emerging evidence that digital games in math have emerging benefits not only for engagement but also academic skill development. Contributing to this discourse, this study seeks to explore the potential benefits of multiplayer digital game-based learning by examining its impact on middle school students’ engagement and academic performance in a mathematics class.

Literature Review: The literature review has identified gaps in the current knowledge, namely, while game-based learning has been extensively explored, the role of multiplayer games in supporting learning has not been studied.

Research Design and Methods: This study will employ a mixed-methods research design based upon action research in the classroom. A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control group design will first be used to compare the academic performance and engagement of middle school students exposed to game-based learning techniques with those in a control group receiving instruction without the aid of technology. Students will also be observed and interviewed in regard to the effect of communication and collaboration during gameplay on their learning.

Timeline: The study will take place across the second term of the school year with a pre-test taking place on the first day of the term and the post-test taking place on Wednesday in Week 10.

Budget: The key budgetary requirements will be the technologies required, including the subscription cost for the identified games and computers.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: It is expected that the findings will contribute to the current literature on game-based learning and inform educational practices, providing educators and policymakers with insights into how to better support student achievement in mathematics.

2. Psychology Research Proposals

See some real examples:

• A situational analysis of shared leadership in a self-managing team
• The effect of musical preference on running performance
• Relationship between self-esteem and disordered eating amongst adolescent females

Consider this hypothetical psychology research proposal:

The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Stress Reduction in College Students

Abstract: This research proposal examines the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on stress reduction among college students, using a pre-test/post-test experimental design with both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods .

Introduction: College students face heightened stress levels during exam weeks. This can affect both mental health and test performance. This study explores the potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions such as meditation as a way to mediate stress levels in the weeks leading up to exam time.

Literature Review: Existing research on mindfulness-based meditation has shown the ability for mindfulness to increase metacognition, decrease anxiety levels, and decrease stress. Existing literature has looked at workplace, high school and general college-level applications. This study will contribute to the corpus of literature by exploring the effects of mindfulness directly in the context of exam weeks.

Research Design and Methods: Participants ( n= 234 ) will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group, receiving 5 days per week of 10-minute mindfulness-based interventions, or a control group, receiving no intervention. Data will be collected through self-report questionnaires, measuring stress levels, semi-structured interviews exploring participants’ experiences, and students’ test scores.

Timeline: The study will begin three weeks before the students’ exam week and conclude after each student’s final exam. Data collection will occur at the beginning (pre-test of self-reported stress levels) and end (post-test) of the three weeks.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: The study aims to provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress among college students in the lead up to exams, with potential implications for mental health support and stress management programs on college campuses.

3. Sociology Research Proposals

• Understanding emerging social movements: A case study of ‘Jersey in Transition’
• The interaction of health, education and employment in Western China
• Can we preserve lower-income affordable neighbourhoods in the face of rising costs?

Consider this hypothetical sociology research proposal:

The Impact of Social Media Usage on Interpersonal Relationships among Young Adults

Abstract: This research proposal investigates the effects of social media usage on interpersonal relationships among young adults, using a longitudinal mixed-methods approach with ongoing semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data.

Introduction: Social media platforms have become a key medium for the development of interpersonal relationships, particularly for young adults. This study examines the potential positive and negative effects of social media usage on young adults’ relationships and development over time.

Literature Review: A preliminary review of relevant literature has demonstrated that social media usage is central to development of a personal identity and relationships with others with similar subcultural interests. However, it has also been accompanied by data on mental health deline and deteriorating off-screen relationships. The literature is to-date lacking important longitudinal data on these topics.

Research Design and Methods: Participants ( n = 454 ) will be young adults aged 18-24. Ongoing self-report surveys will assess participants’ social media usage, relationship satisfaction, and communication patterns. A subset of participants will be selected for longitudinal in-depth interviews starting at age 18 and continuing for 5 years.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of five years, including recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide insights into the complex relationship between social media usage and interpersonal relationships among young adults, potentially informing social policies and mental health support related to social media use.

4. Nursing Research Proposals

• Does Orthopaedic Pre-assessment clinic prepare the patient for admission to hospital?
• Nurses’ perceptions and experiences of providing psychological care to burns patients
• Registered psychiatric nurse’s practice with mentally ill parents and their children

Consider this hypothetical nursing research proposal:

The Influence of Nurse-Patient Communication on Patient Satisfaction and Health Outcomes following Emergency Cesarians

Abstract: This research will examines the impact of effective nurse-patient communication on patient satisfaction and health outcomes for women following c-sections, utilizing a mixed-methods approach with patient surveys and semi-structured interviews.

Introduction: It has long been known that effective communication between nurses and patients is crucial for quality care. However, additional complications arise following emergency c-sections due to the interaction between new mother’s changing roles and recovery from surgery.

Literature Review: A review of the literature demonstrates the importance of nurse-patient communication, its impact on patient satisfaction, and potential links to health outcomes. However, communication between nurses and new mothers is less examined, and the specific experiences of those who have given birth via emergency c-section are to date unexamined.

Research Design and Methods: Participants will be patients in a hospital setting who have recently had an emergency c-section. A self-report survey will assess their satisfaction with nurse-patient communication and perceived health outcomes. A subset of participants will be selected for in-depth interviews to explore their experiences and perceptions of the communication with their nurses.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of six months, including rolling recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing within the hospital.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide evidence for the significance of nurse-patient communication in supporting new mothers who have had an emergency c-section. Recommendations will be presented for supporting nurses and midwives in improving outcomes for new mothers who had complications during birth.

5. Social Work Research Proposals

• Experiences of negotiating employment and caring responsibilities of fathers post-divorce
• Exploring kinship care in the north region of British Columbia

Consider this hypothetical social work research proposal:

The Role of a Family-Centered Intervention in Preventing Homelessness Among At-Risk Youthin a working-class town in Northern England

Abstract: This research proposal investigates the effectiveness of a family-centered intervention provided by a local council area in preventing homelessness among at-risk youth. This case study will use a mixed-methods approach with program evaluation data and semi-structured interviews to collect quantitative and qualitative data .

Introduction: Homelessness among youth remains a significant social issue. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of family-centered interventions in addressing this problem and identify factors that contribute to successful prevention strategies.

Literature Review: A review of the literature has demonstrated several key factors contributing to youth homelessness including lack of parental support, lack of social support, and low levels of family involvement. It also demonstrates the important role of family-centered interventions in addressing this issue. Drawing on current evidence, this study explores the effectiveness of one such intervention in preventing homelessness among at-risk youth in a working-class town in Northern England.

Research Design and Methods: The study will evaluate a new family-centered intervention program targeting at-risk youth and their families. Quantitative data on program outcomes, including housing stability and family functioning, will be collected through program records and evaluation reports. Semi-structured interviews with program staff, participants, and relevant stakeholders will provide qualitative insights into the factors contributing to program success or failure.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of six months, including recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Budget: Expenses include access to program evaluation data, interview materials, data analysis software, and any related travel costs for in-person interviews.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide evidence for the effectiveness of family-centered interventions in preventing youth homelessness, potentially informing the expansion of or necessary changes to social work practices in Northern England.

Research Proposal Template

Get your Detailed Template for Writing your Research Proposal Here (With AI Prompts!)

This is a template for a 2500-word research proposal. You may find it difficult to squeeze everything into this wordcount, but it’s a common wordcount for Honors and MA-level dissertations.

Your research proposal is where you really get going with your study. I’d strongly recommend working closely with your teacher in developing a research proposal that’s consistent with the requirements and culture of your institution, as in my experience it varies considerably. The above template is from my own courses that walk students through research proposals in a British School of Education.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

8 thoughts on “17 Research Proposal Examples”

Very excellent research proposals

very helpful

Very helpful

Dear Sir, I need some help to write an educational research proposal. Thank you.

Hi Levi, use the site search bar to ask a question and I’ll likely have a guide already written for your specific question. Thanks for reading!

very good research proposal

Thank you so much sir! ❤️

Very helpful 👌

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Starting the research process
• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 21, 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

• Academic style
• Vague sentences
• Style consistency

See an example

Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
• Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved April 15, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, how to write a problem statement | guide & examples, writing strong research questions | criteria & examples, how to write a literature review | guide, examples, & templates, "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".

I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”

• Privacy Policy

Buy Me a Coffee

Home » How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

Table of Contents

How To Write a Research Proposal

Writing a Research proposal involves several steps to ensure a well-structured and comprehensive document. Here is an explanation of each step:

1. Title and Abstract

• Choose a concise and descriptive title that reflects the essence of your research.
• Write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should provide a brief overview of your proposal.

2. Introduction:

• Provide an introduction to your research topic, highlighting its significance and relevance.
• Clearly state the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Discuss the background and context of the study, including previous research in the field.

3. Research Objectives

• Outline the specific objectives or aims of your research. These objectives should be clear, achievable, and aligned with the research problem.

4. Literature Review:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings, identify gaps, and highlight how your research will contribute to the existing knowledge.

5. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to employ to address your research objectives.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques you will use.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate and suitable for your research.

6. Timeline:

• Create a timeline or schedule that outlines the major milestones and activities of your research project.
• Break down the research process into smaller tasks and estimate the time required for each task.

7. Resources:

• Identify the resources needed for your research, such as access to specific databases, equipment, or funding.
• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources to carry out your research effectively.

8. Ethical Considerations:

• Discuss any ethical issues that may arise during your research and explain how you plan to address them.
• If your research involves human subjects, explain how you will ensure their informed consent and privacy.

9. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

• Clearly state the expected outcomes or results of your research.
• Highlight the potential impact and significance of your research in advancing knowledge or addressing practical issues.

10. References:

• Provide a list of all the references cited in your proposal, following a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

11. Appendices:

• Include any additional supporting materials, such as survey questionnaires, interview guides, or data analysis plans.

Research Proposal Format

The format of a research proposal may vary depending on the specific requirements of the institution or funding agency. However, the following is a commonly used format for a research proposal:

1. Title Page:

• Include the title of your research proposal, your name, your affiliation or institution, and the date.

2. Abstract:

• Provide a brief summary of your research proposal, highlighting the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

3. Introduction:

• Introduce the research topic and provide background information.
• State the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Explain the significance and relevance of the research.
• Review relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings and identify gaps in the existing knowledge.
• Explain how your research will contribute to filling those gaps.

5. Research Objectives:

• Clearly state the specific objectives or aims of your research.
• Ensure that the objectives are clear, focused, and aligned with the research problem.

6. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to use.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate for your research.

7. Timeline:

8. Resources:

• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources effectively.

9. Ethical Considerations:

• If applicable, explain how you will ensure informed consent and protect the privacy of research participants.

10. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

11. References:

12. Appendices:

Research Proposal Template

Here’s a template for a research proposal:

1. Introduction:

2. Literature Review:

3. Research Objectives:

4. Methodology:

5. Timeline:

6. Resources:

7. Ethical Considerations:

8. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

9. References:

10. Appendices:

Research Proposal Sample

Title: The Impact of Online Education on Student Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Study

1. Introduction

Online education has gained significant prominence in recent years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes by comparing them with traditional face-to-face instruction. The study will explore various aspects of online education, such as instructional methods, student engagement, and academic performance, to provide insights into the effectiveness of online learning.

2. Objectives

The main objectives of this research are as follows:

• To compare student learning outcomes between online and traditional face-to-face education.
• To examine the factors influencing student engagement in online learning environments.
• To assess the effectiveness of different instructional methods employed in online education.
• To identify challenges and opportunities associated with online education and suggest recommendations for improvement.

3. Methodology

3.1 Study Design

This research will utilize a mixed-methods approach to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The study will include the following components:

3.2 Participants

The research will involve undergraduate students from two universities, one offering online education and the other providing face-to-face instruction. A total of 500 students (250 from each university) will be selected randomly to participate in the study.

3.3 Data Collection

The research will employ the following data collection methods:

• Quantitative: Pre- and post-assessments will be conducted to measure students’ learning outcomes. Data on student demographics and academic performance will also be collected from university records.
• Qualitative: Focus group discussions and individual interviews will be conducted with students to gather their perceptions and experiences regarding online education.

3.4 Data Analysis

Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression analysis. Qualitative data will be transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and themes.

4. Ethical Considerations

The study will adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of participants. Informed consent will be obtained, and participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

5. Significance and Expected Outcomes

This research will contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the impact of online education on student learning outcomes. The findings will help educational institutions and policymakers make informed decisions about incorporating online learning methods and improving the quality of online education. Moreover, the study will identify potential challenges and opportunities related to online education and offer recommendations for enhancing student engagement and overall learning outcomes.

6. Timeline

The proposed research will be conducted over a period of 12 months, including data collection, analysis, and report writing.

The estimated budget for this research includes expenses related to data collection, software licenses, participant compensation, and research assistance. A detailed budget breakdown will be provided in the final research plan.

8. Conclusion

This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes through a comparative study with traditional face-to-face instruction. By exploring various dimensions of online education, this research will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and challenges associated with online learning. The findings will contribute to the ongoing discourse on educational practices and help shape future strategies for maximizing student learning outcomes in online education settings.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

You may also like

How To Write A Proposal – Step By Step Guide...

Grant Proposal – Example, Template and Guide

How To Write A Business Proposal – Step-by-Step...

Business Proposal – Templates, Examples and Guide

Proposal – Types, Examples, and Writing Guide

How to choose an Appropriate Method for Research?

Educational Leadership - Ed.D.

• Off-campus Access
• Literature Review

Research Proposal

• Annotated Bibliography
• Peer Review or Scholarly Journal Articles
• APA Citation

Research Support

Additional information.

There is additional information in the Organizing Academic Research Papers research guide.

The goal of a research proposal is to present and justify a research idea you have and to present the practical ways in which you think this research should be conducted. The forms and procedures for such research are defined by the field of study, so guidelines for research proposals are generally more exacting and less formal than a project proposal. Research proposals contain extensive literature reviews and must provide persuasive evidence that there is a need for the research study being proposed. In addition to providing rationale for the proposed research, a proposal describes detailed methodology for conducting the research consistent with requirements of the professional or academic field and a statement on anticipated outcomes and/or benefits derived from the study.

Krathwohl, David R. How to Prepare a Dissertation Proposal: Suggestions for Students in Education and the Social and Behavioral Sciences . Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2005.

How to Approach Writing in a Research Proposal

• Develop your skills in thinking about and designing a comprehensive research study.
• Help learn how to conduct a comprehensive review of the literature to ensure a research problem has not already been answered [or you may determine the problem has been answered ineffectively] and, in so doing, become familiar with scholarship related to your topic.
• Improve your general research and writing skills.
• Practice identifying what logical steps must be taken to accomplish one's research goals.
• Nurture a sense of inquisitiveness within yourself and to help see yourself as an active participant in the process of doing scholarly research.

A proposal should contain all the key elements involved in designing a complete research study, with sufficient information that allows readers to assess the validity and usefulness of your proposed study. The only elements missing from a research proposal are the results of the study and your analysis of those results. Finally, an effective proposal is judged on the quality of your writing. It is, therefore, important that your writing is coherent, clear, and compelling.

Regardless of the research problem you are investigating and the methodology you choose, all research proposals must address the following questions:

• What do you plan to accomplish? Be clear and succient in defining the research problem and what it is you are proposing to research.
• Why do you want to do it? In addition to detailing your research design, you also must conduct a thorough review of the literature and provide convincing evidence that it is a topic worthy of study. Be sure to answer the "So what? question.
• How are you going to do it? Be sure that what you propose is do-able.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failure to be concise; being "all over the map" without a clear sense of purpose.
• Failure to cite landmark works in your literature review.
• Failure to delimit the contextual boundaries of your research [e.g., time, place, people, etc.].
• Failure to develop a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed research.
• Failure to stay focused on the research question; going off on unrelated tangents.
• Sloppy or imprecise writing. Poor grammar.
• Too much detail on minor issues, but not enough detail on major issues.

Procter, Margaret. The Academic Proposal .  The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Sanford, Keith. Information for Students: Writing a Research Proposal . Baylor University; Wong, Paul T. P. How to Write a Research Proposal . International Network on Personal Meaning. Trinity Western University; Writing Academic Proposals: Conferences, Articles, and Books . The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing a Research Proposal. University Library. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

• << Previous: Literature Review
• Next: Annotated Bibliography >>
• Last Updated: Mar 19, 2024 4:07 PM
• URL: https://library.sacredheart.edu/educationalleadership
• QuickSearch
• Library Catalog
• Databases A-Z
• Publication Finder
• Course Reserves
• Citation Linker
• Digital Commons
• Our Website
• Ask a Librarian
• Appointments
• Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
• Research Guides
• Databases by Subject
• Citation Help

Using the Library

• Reserve a Group Study Room
• Renew Books
• Honors Study Rooms
• Off-Campus Access
• Library Policies
• Library Technology

User Information

• Grad Students
• Online Students
• COVID-19 Updates
• Staff Directory
• News & Announcements
• Library Newsletter

My Accounts

• Interlibrary Loan
• Staff Site Login

FIND US ON  

Leadership Research Paper

This sample leadership research paper features: 7900 words (approx. 26 pages), an outline, and a bibliography with 38 sources. Browse other research paper examples for more inspiration. If you need a thorough research paper written according to all the academic standards, you can always turn to our experienced writers for help. This is how your paper can get an A! Feel free to contact our writing service for professional assistance. We offer high-quality assignments for reasonable rates.

I. Introduction

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code.

II. Leadership Defined

III. The Trait Approach to Leadership

IV. What Do Leaders Do? The Behavioral Approach

V. Situational Approaches to Leadership

VI. Contingency Theories of Leadership

VII. Leader-Member Exchange Theory

VIII. Charismatic and Transformational Leadership

IX. Leader Emergence and Transition

X. Leadership Development

XI. Summary

XII. Bibliography

More Leadership Research Papers:

• Implicit Leadership Theories Research Paper
• Judicial Leadership Research Paper
• Leadership Styles Research Paper
• Police Leadership Research Paper
• Political Leadership Research Paper
• Remote Leadership Research Paper

Introduction

There are few things more important to human activity than leadership. Most people, regardless of their occupation, education, political or religious beliefs, or cultural orientation, recognize that leadership is a real and vastly consequential phenomenon. Political candidates proclaim it, pundits discuss it, companies value it, and military organizations depend on it. The French diplomat Talleyrand once said, “I am more afraid of an army of 100 sheep led by a lion than an army of 100 lions led by a sheep.” Effective leadership guides nations in times of peril, promotes effective team and group performance, makes organizations successful, and, in the form of parenting, nurtures the next generation. Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Great Britain during World War II, was able to galvanize the resolve of his embattled people with these words: “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.” When leadership is missing, the effects can be equally dramatic; organizations move too slowly, stagnate, and often lose their way. The League of Nations, created after the World War I, failed to meet the challenges of the times in large part because of a failure to secure effective leadership. With regard to bad leaders, Kellerman (2004) makes an important distinction between incompetent leaders and corrupt leaders. To this we might also add leaders who are “toxic.” Bad leadership can perpetuate misery on those who are subject to its domain. Consider the case of Jim Jones, the leader of the Peoples Temple, who in 1978 ordered the mass suicide of his 900 followers in what has been called the Jonestown Massacre, or the corrupt leadership of Enron and Arthur Anderson that impoverished thousands of workers and led to the dissolution of a major organization. These examples remind us that there are many ways in which leadership can fail.

Leadership Defined

When you think of leadership, the ideas of power, authority, and influence may come to mind. You may think of the actions of effective leaders in accomplishing important goals. You may think of actual people who have been recognized for their leadership capabilities. Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th president of the United States, defined leadership as “the ability to decide what is to be done, and then to get others to want to do it.” Leadership can be defined as the ability of an individual to influence the thoughts, attitudes, and behavior of others. It is the process by which others are motivated to contribute to the success of the groups of which they are members. Leaders set a direction for their followers and help them to focus their energies on achieving their goals. Theorists have developed many different theories about leadership, and although none of the theories completely explains everything about leadership, each has received some scientific support. Some of the theories are based on the idea that there are “born leaders” with particular traits that contribute to their ability to lead. Other theories suggest that leadership consists of specific skills and behaviors. Some theories take a contingency approach that suggests that a leader’s effectiveness depends on the situation requiring leadership. Still other theories examine the relationship between the leader and his or her followers as the key to understanding leadership. In this research paper, we examine these various theories and describe the process of leadership development.

The Trait Approach to Leadership

Aristotle suggested that “men are marked out from the moment of birth to rule or be ruled,” an idea that evolved into the Great Person Theory. Great leaders of the past do seem different from ordinary human beings. When we consider the lives of Gandhi or Martin Luther King, Jr., it is easy to think of their influence as a function of unique personal attributes. This trait approach was one of the first perspectives applied to the study of leadership and for many years dominated leadership research. The list of traits associated with effective leadership is extensive and includes personality characteristics such as being outgoing, assertive, and conscientious. Other traits that have been identified are confidence, integrity, discipline, courage, self-sufficiency, humor, and mystery. Charles de Gaulle described this last trait best when he noted that “A true leader always keeps an element of surprise up his sleeve, which others cannot grasp but which keeps his public excited and breathless.”

Another trait often attributed to effective leaders is intelligence. However, intelligence is a two-edged sword. Although highly intelligent people may be effective leaders, their followers may feel that large differences in intellectual abilities mean large differences in attitudes, values, and interests. Thus, Gibb (1969) has pointed out that many groups prefer to be “ill-governed by people [they] can understand” (p. 218). One important aspect of intelligence that does predict leader effectiveness is emotional intelligence, which includes not only social skills but strong self-monitoring skills, which provide the leader with feedback as to how followers feel about the leader’s actions.

Finally, personal characteristics such as attractiveness, height, and poise are associated with effective leadership. After decades of research, in which the list of traits grew dramatically, researchers realized that the same person could be effective in one context (Winston Churchill as war leader) but ineffective in another context (Winston Churchill, who was removed from office immediately after the war was over). The failure of this approach to recognize the importance of the situation in providing clear distinctions between leaders and followers with regard to their traits caused many scientists to turn their attention elsewhere. However, theorists using more sophisticated methodological and conceptual approaches have revived this approach. Zaccaro (2007) suggests that the revival of the trait approach reflects a shift away from the idea that traits are inherited, as suggested in Galton’s 1869 book Hereditary Genius, and focuses on personal characteristics that reflect a range of acquired individual differences. This approach has three components. First, researchers do not consider traits as separate and distinct contributors to leadership effectiveness but rather as a constellation of characteristics that, taken together, make a good leader.

The second component broadens the concept of trait to refer not only to personality characteristics but also to motives, values, social and problem-solving skills, cognitive abilities, and expertise. For example, in a series of classic studies, McClelland and his colleagues (see McClelland & Boyatzis, 1982) identified three motives that contribute to leadership. They are the need for achievement, the need for power, and the need for affiliation. In their work, leader traits are not attributes of the person but the basis for the leader’s behavior. The need for achievement is manifested in the desire to solve problems and accomplish tasks. In the words of Donald McGannon, “Leadership is action, not position.” The need for power is evident in the desire to influence others without using coercion. As Hubert H. Humphrey once said, “Leadership in today’s world requires far more than a large stock of gunboats and a hard fist at the conference table.” The final motive, need for affiliation, can be a detriment to effective leadership if the leader becomes too concerned with being liked. However, it can provide positive results from the satisfaction a leader derives in helping others succeed. Lao Tse once wrote, “A good leader is a catalyst, and though things would not get done well if he weren’t there, when they succeed he takes no credit. And because he takes no credit, credit never leaves him.”

The third component of this new approach focuses on attributes that both are enduring and occur across a variety of situations. For example, there is strong empirical support for the trait approach when traits are organized according to the five-factor model of personality. Both extraversion and conscientiousness are highly correlated with leader success and, to a lesser extent, so are openness to experience and the lack of neuroticism.

What Do Leaders Do? The Behavioral Approach

Three major schools of thought—the Ohio State Studies, Theory X/Y (McGregor, 1960), and the Managerial Grid (Blake & Mouton, 1984)—have all suggested that differences in leader effectiveness are directly related to the degree to which the leader is task oriented versus person oriented. Task-oriented leaders focus on the group’s work and its goals. They define and structure the roles of their subordinates in order to best obtain organizational goals. Task-oriented leaders set standards and objectives, define responsibilities, evaluate employees, and monitor compliance with their directives. In the Ohio State studies this was referred to as initiating structure, whereas McGregor (1960) refers to it as Theory X, and the Managerial Grid calls it task-centered. Harry S. Truman, 33rd president of the United States, once wrote, “A leader is a man who can persuade people to do what they don’t want to do, or do what they’re too lazy to do, and like it.” Task-oriented leaders often see their followers as undisciplined, lazy, extrinsically motivated, and irresponsible. For these leaders, leadership consists of giving direction, setting goals, and making unilateral decisions. When under pressure, task-oriented leaders become anxious, defensive, and domineering.

In contrast, person-oriented leaders tend to act in a warm and supportive manner, showing concern for the well-being of their followers. Person-oriented leaders boost morale, take steps to reduce conflict, establish rapport with group members, and provide encouragement for obtaining the group’s goals. The Ohio State studies referred to this as consideration, the Managerial Grid calls this country club leadership, and McGregor uses the term Theory Y. Person-oriented leaders see their followers as responsible, self-controlled, and intrinsically motivated. As a result, they are more likely to consult with others before making decisions, praise the accomplishment of their followers, and be less directive in their supervision. Under pressure, person-oriented leaders tend to withdraw socially.

Leadership effectiveness can be gauged in several ways: employee performance, turnover, and dissatisfaction. As you can see in Table 68.1, the most effective leaders are those who are both task and person oriented, whereas the least effective leaders are those who are neither task nor person oriented. A recent meta-analysis found that person-oriented leadership consistently improves group morale, motivation, and job satisfaction, whereas task-oriented leadership only sometimes improves group performance, depending on the types of groups and situations.

In thinking about what leaders do, it is important to distinguish between leadership and management. Warren Bennis (1989) stated, “To survive in the twenty-first century, we are going to need a new generation of leaders— leaders, not managers.” He points out that managers focus on “doing things right” whereas leaders focus on “doing the right things.” Table 68.2 provides a comparison of the characteristics that distinguish a leader from a manager. As you look at the list, it is clear that a person can be a leader without being a manager and be a manager without being a leader.

Situational Approaches to Leadership

The Great Person theory of leadership, represented by such theorists as Sigmund Freud, Thomas Carlyle, and Max Weber, suggests that from time to time, highly capable, talented, charismatic figures emerge, captivate a host of followers, and change history. In contrast to this, Hegel, Marx, and Durkheim suggest that there is a tide running in human affairs, defined by history or the economy, and that leaders are those who ride the tide. The idea of the tide leads us to the role of situational factors in leadership. For example, Perrow (1970) suggests that leadership effectiveness is dependent upon structural aspects of the organization. Longitudinal studies of organizational effectiveness provide support for this idea. For example, Pfeffer (1997) indicated that “If one cannot observe differences when leaders change, then what does it matter who occupies the positions or how they behave?” (p. 108). Vroom and Jago (2007) have identified three distinct roles that situational factors play in leadership effectiveness. First, organizational effectiveness is not strictly a result of good leadership practices. Situational factors beyond the control of the leader often affect the outcomes of any group effort. Whereas leaders, be they navy admirals or football coaches, receive credit or blame for the activities of their followers, success or failure is often the result of external forces: the actions of others, changing technologies, or environmental conditions. Second, situations shape how leaders act. Although much of the literature on leadership has focused on individual differences, social psychologists such as Phil Zimbardo, in his classic Stanford Prison Experiment, and Stanley Milgram, in his studies of obedience, have demonstrated how important the situation is in determining behavior. Third, situations influence the consequences of leader behavior. Although many popular books on leadership provide a checklist of activities in which the leader should engage, most of these lists disregard the impact of the situation. Vroom and Jago (2007) suggest that the importance of the situation is based on three factors: the limited power of many leaders, the fact that applicants for leadership positions go through a uniform screening process that reduces the extent to which they differ from one another, and whatever differences between them still exist will be overwhelmed by situational demands. If all of these factors are present, it is probably true that the individual differences between leaders will not significantly contribute to their effectiveness. Nevertheless, in most of the situations in which leaders find themselves, they are not that powerless and their effectiveness is mostly a result of matching their skills with the demands of the situation, which brings us to a discussion of contingency theories.

Contingency Theories of Leadership

One of the first psychologists to develop a contingency approach to leadership effectiveness was Fred Fiedler (1964, 1967), who believed that a leader’s style is a result of lifelong experiences that are not easy to change. With this in mind, he suggested that leaders need to understand what their style is and to manipulate the situation so that the two match. Like previous researchers, Fiedler’s idea of leadership style included task orientation and person orientation, although his approach for determining a leader’s orientation was unique. Fiedler developed the least-preferred coworker (LPC) scale. On this scale, individuals rate the person with whom they would least want to work on a variety of characteristics. Individuals who rate their LPC as uniformly negative are considered task oriented, whereas those who differentiate among the characteristics are person oriented. The second part of his contingency theory is the favorableness of the situation. Situational favorability is determined by three factors: the extent to which the task facing the group is structured, the legitimate power of the leader, and the relations between the leader and his subordinates. The relation between LPC scores and group performance is complex, as can be seen in Table 68.3. A meta-analysis conducted by Strube and Garcia (1981) found that task-oriented leaders function best in situations that are either favorable (clear task structure, solid position power, and good leader/member relations) or unfavorable (unclear task structure, weak position power, and poor leader/member relations). In contrast, person-oriented leaders function best in situations that are only moderately favorable, which is often based on the quality of leader-member relations.

Another theory that addresses the relation between leadership style and the situation is path-goal theory (House, 1971). In this theory, path refers to the leader’s behaviors that are most likely to help the group attain a desired outcome or goal. Thus, leaders must exhibit different behaviors to reach different goals, depending on the situation. Four different styles of behavior are described:

• Directive leadership. The leader sets standards of performance and provides guidelines and expectations to subordinates on how to achieve those standards.
• Supportive leadership. The leader expresses concern for the subordinates’ well-being and is supportive of them as individuals, not just as workers.
• Participative leadership. The leader solicits ideas and suggestions from subordinates and invites them to participate in decisions that directly affect them.
• Achievement-oriented leadership. The leader sets challenging goals and encourages subordinates to attain those goals.

According to path-goal theory, effective leaders need all four of these styles because each one produces different results. Which style to use depends on two types of situational factors: subordinate characteristics, including ability, locus of control, and authoritarianism; and environmental characteristics, including the nature of the task, work group, and authority system. According to House and Mitchell (1974), when style and situation are properly matched, there is greater job satisfaction and acceptance of the leader, as well as more effort toward obtaining desired goals. A meta-analysis by Indvik (1986) is generally supportive of the theory. Studies of seven organizations found that task-oriented approaches are effective in situations with low task structure, because they help subordinates cope with an ambiguous situation, and ineffective in situations with high task structure, because they appear to be micromanagement. Additional studies have found that supportive leadership is most effective when subordinates are working on stressful, frustrating, or dissatisfying tasks. Researchers found participative leadership to be most effective when subordinates were engaged in nonrepetitive, ego-involving tasks. Finally, achievement-oriented leadership was most effective when subordinates were engaged in ambiguous, nonrepetitive tasks. A clear implication of the theory is that leaders must diagnose the situation before adopting a particular leadership style.

A third contingency approach is the normative and descriptive model of leadership and decision making developed by Vroom and his colleagues (see Vroom & Jago, 2007). This approach examines the extent to which leaders should involve their subordinates in decision-making processes. To answer this question, the researchers developed a matrix that outlines the five decision processes that range from highly autocratic through consultative to highly participative (see Table 68.4). Which of these approaches is the best? The answer is none of them is uniformly preferred, and each process has different costs and benefits. For example, participative approaches are more likely to gain support and acceptance among subordinates for the leader’s ideas, whereas autocratic approaches are quick and efficient, but may cause resentment. The theory suggests that the best approach may be selected by answering several basic questions about the situation that relate to the quality and acceptance of a decision. Some examples of the type of questions that should be asked are “Do I have enough information to make a decision? How structured is the task? Must subordinates accept the decision to make it work?” By answering such questions and applying the specific rules shown in Table 68.5, a leader is able to eliminate approaches that are likely to fail and to choose the approach that seems most feasible from those remaining.

Leader-Member Exchange Theory

A growing number of researchers have found that subordinates may affect leaders as much as leaders affect subordinates. Yukl (1998) pointed out that when subordinates perform poorly, leaders tend to be more task oriented, but when subordinates perform well, leaders are more person oriented. Similarly, Miller, Butler, and Cosentino (2004) found that the effectiveness of followers conformed to the same rules as those Fiedler applied to leaders. It may be that the productivity of a group can have a greater impact on leadership style than leadership style does on the productivity of the group. This reciprocal relation has been formally recognized in the vertical dyad linkage approach (Dansereau, Graen, & Haga, 1975), now commonly referred to as leader-member exchange (LMX) theory (Graen & Uhl-Bien, 1995). This theory describes how leaders maintain their influence by treating individual followers differently. Over time, leaders develop a special relationship with an inner circle of trusted lieutenants, assistants and advisors—the in-group. The members of the in-group are given high levels of responsibility, influence over decision making, and access to resources. Members of the in-group typically are those who are highly committed to the organization, work harder, show loyalty to the leader, and share more administrative duties. Their reward is greater access to the leader’s resources, including information, concern, and confidence. To maintain the exchange, leaders must be careful to nurture the relationship with the in-group, giving them sufficient power to satisfy their needs but not so much power that they become independent. The leader-member relationship generally follows three stages. The first stage is role taking. During this stage the leader assesses the members’ abilities and talents and offers them opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities and commitment. In this stage, both the leader and member discover how the other wants to be respected. The second stage is role making. In this stage, the leader and member take part in unstructured and informal negotiations in order to create a role for the member with a tacit promise of benefits and power in return for dedication and loyalty. In this stage, trust building is very important, and betrayal in any form can result in the member’s being relegated to the out-group. In this stage the leader and member explore relationship factors as well as work-related factors. At this stage, it is clear that perceived similarities between the leader and follower become important. For this reason, a leader may favor a member who is similar in sex, race, or outlook with assignment to the in-group, although research by Murphy and Ensher (1999) indicated that the perception of similarity is more important than actual demographic similarities. The final stage is routinization. In this phase the pattern established by the leader and member becomes established.

The quality of the leader-member relationship is dependent on several factors. It tends to be better when the challenge of the job is either extremely high or extremely low. Other factors that affect the quality of the relationship are the size of the group, availability of resources, and overall workload.

Charismatic and Transformational Leadership

In a speech given at the University of Maryland, Warren Bennis said, “[A] leader has to be able to change an organization that is dreamless, soulless and visionless…someone’s got to make a wake-up call. The first job of a leader is to define a vision for the organization.…Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” Effective leaders are able to project a vision, explaining to their subordinates the purpose, meaning, and significance of their efforts. As Napoleon once said, “Leaders are dealers in hope.” Although the idea of charismatic leadership goes back as far as biblical times (“Where there is no vision, the people perish”—Proverbs 29:18), its modern development can be attributed to the work of Robert House. House (1977) analyzed political and religious leaders and noted that charismatic leaders are those high in self-confidence and confidence in their subordinates, with high expectations, a clear vision of what can be accomplished, and a willingness to use personal examples. Their followers often identify with the leader and his or her mission, show unswerving loyalty toward and confidence in the leader, and derive a sense of self-esteem from their association with the leader. Charismatic leaders are usually quite articulate, with superior debating and persuasive skills. They also possess the technical expertise to understand what their followers must do. Charismatic leaders usually have high self-confidence, impression-management skills, social sensitivity, and empathy. Finally, they have the skills to promote attitudinal, behavioral, and emotional change in their followers. Those who follow charismatic leaders are often surprised at how much they are able to accomplish that extends beyond their own expectations. Research on charismatic leadership indicates that the impact of such leaders is greatest when the followers engage in high self-monitoring (observing their effect on others) and exhibit high levels of self-awareness. Charismatic leadership enhances followers’ cooperation and motivation.

It is important to recognize that charismatic leadership can have a dark side. We began this research paper with the example of Jim Jones, the charismatic religious leader who led his people to commit mass suicide. Howell and Avolio (1992) describe the difference between ethical and unethical charismatic leaders. According to their analysis, ethical leaders use their power to serve others, not for personal gain. They also promote a vision that aligns with their follower’s needs and aspirations rather than with their own personal vision. Ethical leaders stimulate followers to think independently and to question the leader’s views. They engage in open, two-way communication and are sensitive to their followers’ needs. Finally, ethical leaders rely on internal moral standards to satisfy organizational and societal interests, not their own self-interests.

In helping followers achieve their aspirations, Bernard Bass (1997) has noted that charismatic leadership is a component of a broader-based concept, that of transformational leadership. Bass believed that most leaders are transactional rather than transformational in that they approach their relationships with followers as a transaction, one in which they define expectations and offer rewards that will be forthcoming when those expectations are met. Transactional leaders use a contingent reward system, manage by exception, watch followers to catch them doing something wrong, and intervene only when standards are not met. Finally, transactional leaders tend to adopt a laissez-faire approach by avoiding the need to make hard decisions.

In contrast, transformational leadership goes beyond mutually satisfactory agreements about rewards and punishments to heighten followers’ motivation, confidence, and satisfaction by uniting them in the pursuit of shared, challenging goals. In the process of doing that, they change their followers’ beliefs, values, and needs. Bass and Avolio (1994) identified four components of transformational leadership. The first component is idealized influence (charisma). Leaders provide vision, a sense of mission, and their trust in their followers. Leaders take stands on difficult issues and urge their followers to follow suit. They emphasize the importance of purpose, commitment, and ethical decision making. The second component is inspirational motivation. Leaders communicate high expectations, express important purposes in easy-to-understand ways, talk optimistically and enthusiastically about the tasks facing the organization, and provide encouragement and meaning for what has to be done. They often use symbols to focus the efforts of their followers. The third component is intellectual stimulation. Leaders promote thoughtful, rational, and careful decision making. They stimulate others to discard outmoded assumptions and beliefs and to explore new perspectives and ways of doing things. The fourth component is individualized consideration. Leaders give their followers personal attention and treat each person individually. They listen attentively and consider the individual needs, abilities, and goals of their followers in their decisions. In order to enhance the development of their followers they advise, teach, and coach, as needed. Yukl (2002) offers the following guidelines for transformational leadership:

• Develop a clear and appealing vision.
• Create a strategy for attaining the vision.
• Articulate and promote the vision.
• Act confident and optimistic.
• Express confidence in followers.
• Use early success in achievable tasks to build confidence.
• Celebrate your followers’ successes.
• Use dramatic, symbolic actions to emphasize key values.
• Model the behaviors you want followers to adopt.
• Create or modify cultural forms as symbols, slogans, or ceremonies.

Perhaps Walter Lippman provided the best summary of transformational leadership. He wrote, “The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and the will to carry on…” The genius of good leaders is to leave behind them a situation that common sense, without the grace of genius, can deal with successfully.

Leader Emergence and Transition

Who becomes the leader? The process by which someone becomes formally or informally, perceptually or behaviorally, and implicitly or explicitly recognized as a leader is leadership emergence. Scholars have debated this question for centuries and in this research paper, so far, we have offered several possible answers. The Great Person Theory suggests that some people are marked for greatness and dominate the times in which they live. Tolstoy’s zeitgeist theory suggests that leaders come to prominence because of the spirit of the times. Trait theories suggest leaders are selected based on their personal characteristics, whereas interactional approaches examine the joint effects of the situation and the leader’s behavior. Research suggests that leadership emergence is an orderly process that reflects a rational group process whereby the individual with the most skill or experience or intelligence or capabilities takes charge. Implicit leadership theories (Lord & Maher, 1991) provide a cognitive explanation for leadership emergence. According to these theories, each member of a group comes to the group with a set of expectations and beliefs about leaders and leadership. These cognitive structures are called implicit leadership theories or leader prototypes. Typically these prototypes include both task and relationship skills as well as an expectation that the leader will epitomize the core values of the group. Members use their implicit theories to sort people into either leaders or followers based on the extent to which others conform to their implicit theory of what a leader should be. These implicit theories also guide members in their evaluations of the leader’s effectiveness. Because these theories are implicit, they are rarely subjected to critical scrutiny. As a result, it is not uncommon for followers to demonstrate a bias toward those who fit the mold of a traditional leader: White, male, tall, and vocal, regardless of the qualifications of that individual to be the leader.

Transition, rotation, succession, change of command; all are words used to describe a central facet of organizational leadership—that leaders follow one another. Despite the frequent occurrence of leader successions in nearly all groups, especially in large stable organizations, relatively little research has addressed this phenomenon. An early review by Gibb (1969) reported on studies of leader emergence and succession mode. In particular, Gibb noted the importance of establishing leadership/followership through early, shared, significant experiences; he also stressed that an important aspect of the organizational climate for the new leader derives from the policies of the former leader, the consequence of which shape followers’ expectations, morale, and interpersonal relations. In general, studies have demonstrated that leadership succession causes turbulence and instability resulting in performance decrements in most organizations and thus constitutes a major challenge to organizations. Thus, the process of becoming the new leader is often an arduous, albeit rewarding, journey of learning and self-development. The trials involved in this rite of passage have serious consequences for both the individual and the organization. As organizations have become leaner and more dynamic, new leaders have described a transition that gets more difficult all the time. To make the transition less difficult, leaders might attend to the following suggestions adapted from the works of Betty Price, a management consultant. Some of these suggestions are particularly important for newly appointed leaders in establishing an effective leadership style early in their tenure as leader.

• New leaders should show passion for their group, its purpose, and its people in order to reassure followers that the new leader is there to make the group better, not to further his or her personal ambitions.
• New leaders should think more strategically than tactically. Look for the big picture and don’t become bogged down in implementation processes.
• New leaders should first learn to listen, and then provide leadership. Leaders should be compelling in their ability to help others embrace the values that drive the group’s success. To do this the new leader must listen intently and provide feedback that demonstrates that he or she has truly heard what others have said.
• New leaders should operate in a learning mode. As the new person on the block, the new leader may be unsure about the reputation of the preceding leader. He or she should honor the insights and knowledge of others, believing that one can learn from everyone. The new leader should engage people purposefully at all levels, knowing that the distance between the front line and senior leadership is often so great that one small piece of information may have tremendous impact.
• New leaders should take particular care in doing what’s right and telling the truth, even if it is painful. One of the first tasks of a new leader is building trust. In the face of uncertainties, being honest, direct, and truthful enables people to move forward with faith. It gives them hope.
• New leaders should encourage their people to take risks in order to achieve their goals, and be prepared to pick up the pieces if they fail. The leader’s role is to cushion the risk by providing support and encouragement, and knowing and drawing from his or her people’s best capabilities.

Leadership Development

Not everyone is born with “the right stuff” or finds himself or herself in just the right situation to demonstrate his or her capacity as a leader. However, anyone can improve his or her leadership skills. The process of training people to function effectively in a leadership role is known as leadership development and it is a multimillion-dollar business. Leadership development programs tend to be of two types: internal programs within an organization, designed to strengthen the organization, and external programs that take the form of seminars, workshops, conferences, and retreats.

Typical of external leadership development programs are the seminars offered by the American Management Association. Their training seminars are held annually in cities across the country and address both general leadership skills as well as strategic leadership. Among the seminars offered in the area of general leadership are critical thinking, storytelling, and team development in a variety of areas such as instructional technology or government. Seminars on strategic leadership address such topics as communication strategies, situational leadership, innovation, emotional intelligence, and coaching.

A second approach to leadership development is a technique known as grid training. The first step in grid training is a grid seminar during which members of an organization’s management team help others in their organization identify their management style as one of four management styles: impoverished management, task management, country-club management, and team management. The second step is training, which varies depending on the leader’s management style. The goal of the training is greater productivity, better decision making, increased morale, and focused culture change in the leader’s unique organizational environment. Grid training is directed toward six key areas: leadership development, team building, conflict resolution, customer service, mergers, and selling solutions.

Internal leadership development programs tend to focus on three major areas: the development of social interaction networks both between people within a given organization and between organizations that work with one another, the development of trusting relationships between leaders and followers, and the development of common values and a shared vision among leaders and followers. There are several techniques that promote these goals. One such technique is 360-degree feedback. This is a process whereby leaders may learn what peers, subordinates, and superiors think of their performance. This kind of feedback can be useful in identifying areas in need of improvement. The strength of the technique is that it provides differing perspectives across a variety of situations that help the leader to understand the perceptions of his or her actions. This practice has become very popular and is currently used by virtually all Fortune 500 companies. Like all forms of assessment, 360-degree feedback is only useful if the leader is willing and able to change his or her behavior as a result of the feedback. To ensure that leaders don’t summarily dismiss feedback that doesn’t suit them, many companies have arranged for face-to-face meetings between the leaders and those who have provided the feedback.

Another form of internal leadership development is networking. As a leadership development tool, networking is designed to reduce the isolation of leaders and help them better understand the organization in which they work. Networking is specifically designed to connect leaders with key personnel who can help them accomplish their everyday tasks. Networking promotes peer relationships and allows individuals with similar concerns and responsibilities to learn from one another ways to better do their job. Research indicates that these peer relationships tend to be long-lasting.

Executive coaching is a method for developing leaders that involves custom-tailored, one-on-one interactions. This method generally follows four steps. It begins with an agreement between the coach and the leader as to the nature of the coaching relationship, to include what is to be done and how it will be done. The second step is an expert’s assessment of the leader’s strengths and weaknesses. The third step provides a comprehensive plan for improvement that is usually shared with the leader’s immediate supervisor. The fourth and final step is the implementation of the plan. Coaching is sometimes a onetime event aimed at addressing a particular concern or it can be an ongoing, continuous process.

Another form of internal leadership development is mentoring. The term mentor can mean many things: a trusted counselor or guide, tutor, coach, master, experienced colleague, or role model. A mentor is usually someone older and more experienced who provides advice and support to a younger, less experienced person (protégé). In general, mentors guide, watch over, and encourage the progress of their protégés. Mentors often pave the way for their protégé’s success by providing opportunities for achievement, nominating them for promotion, and arranging for their recognition. As a form of leadership development, there are several advantages to mentoring. A meta-analysis by Allen, Eby, Poteet, Lima, and Lentz (2004) indicated that individuals who were mentored showed greater organizational commitment, lower turnover, higher career satisfaction, enhanced leadership skills, and a better understanding of their organization.

In the future, leadership is likely to become more group centered as organizations become more decentralized. Other changes will come about as a result of new and emerging technologies. Avolio and his colleagues (2003) refer to this as “e-leadership.” Leadership effectiveness will depend on the leader’s ability to integrate the new technologies into the norms and culture of their organization.

Another change is that the future will most likely see more women break through the “glass ceiling” and take leadership positions. Men are considerably more likely to enact leadership behaviors than are women in studies of leaderless groups, and as a result are more likely to emerge as leaders (Eagly, 1987). Even though women do sometimes emerge as leaders, historically they have been excluded from the highest levels of leadership in both politics and business. This exclusion has been called the glass ceiling. Studies of leadership in organizational settings have found that men and women do not differ significantly in their basic approach to leadership, with equal numbers of task- versus person-oriented leaders. However, women are much more likely to adopt a participative or transformational leadership style whereas men are more likely to be autocratic, laissez-faire, or transactional (Eagly & Johnson, 1990). Women’s leadership styles are more closely associated with group performance as well as subordinate satisfaction, and in time our implicit theories about leadership may very well favor those who adopt such approaches.

Diversity and working in a global economy will provide additional challenges to tomorrow’s leaders. Project GLOBE (Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness) is an extensive international project involving 170 researchers who have gathered data from 18,000 managers in 62 countries (House, Hanges, Javidan, Dorman, & Gupta, 2004). A major goal of the project was to develop societal and organizational measures of culture and leader attributes that were appropriate to use across all cultures. There have been several important findings. In some cultures, leadership is denigrated and regarded with suspicion. People in these cultures often fear that leaders will acquire and abuse power and as a result substantial restraints are placed on the exercise of leadership. Twenty-two leadership traits (e.g., foresight and decisiveness) were identified as being desirable across all cultures. Eight leadership traits (e.g., ruthlessness and irritability) were identified as being universally undesirable. Some leadership traits were dependent upon the culture, including ambition and elitism. Six leadership styles common to many cultures were identified. They are charismatic, self-protective, humane, team oriented, participative, and autonomous. Although the charismatic style is familiar to us, some of the others are not. The self-protective style involves following agreed-upon procedures, being cognizant of the status hierarchy, and saving face. The humane style includes modesty and helping others. The team-oriented style includes collaboration, team building, and diplomacy. The participative style encourages getting the opinions and help of others. The autonomous style involves being independent and making one’s own decisions. Cultures differ in their preferences for these styles. For example, leaders from northern European countries are more participative and less self-protective whereas leaders from southern Asia are more humane and less participative.

Although most of us would agree that leadership is extraordinarily important, research in this field has yet to arrive at a generally accepted definition of what leadership is, create a widely accepted paradigm for studying leadership, or find the best strategies for developing and practicing leadership. Hackman and Wageman (2007) attempted to address this problem by reframing the questions we have been asking about leadership effectiveness, with the hope that these questions will be more informative than many of those asked previously.

• Question 1. Ask NOT “Do leaders make a difference?” but “Under what conditions does leadership matter?” The task here is to examine conceptually and empirically the circumstances under which leadership makes a difference and to distinguish those from the circumstances for which leadership is inconsequential.
• Question 2. Ask NOT “What are the traits that define an effective leader?” but “How do leaders’ personal attributes interact with situational properties to shape outcomes?” This approach will require that we reduce our reliance on both fixed traits and complex contingencies. To do this, we should embrace the idea that there are many different ways to achieve the same outcome.
• Question 3. Ask NOT “Are there common dimensions on which all leaders can be arrayed?” but “Are good and poor leadership qualitatively different phenomena?” Recent research has found that ineffective leaders were not ones who scored low on those dimensions for which good leaders scored high, but rather they exhibited entirely different patterns of behavior than those exhibited by good leaders.
• Question 4. Ask NOT “How do leaders and followers differ from one another?” but “How can leadership models be reframed so they treat all members of a group as leaders and followers?” Although it is clear that to be a leader requires that you have followers, it is equally true that most leaders are at times followers and most followers are at times leaders.
• Question 5. Ask NOT “What should be taught in leadership courses?” but “How can leaders be helped to learn?” Research is needed to understand how leaders learn from their experiences, especially when they are coping with crises (see Avolio, 2007).

In the 21st century, the study of leadership will be increasingly collaborative as researchers from multiple disciplines tackle the questions outlined above. Some of the disciplines that must contribute to the study of leadership include media and communications. In today’s world more and more of the relationships between leaders and followers are not face-to-face but mediated through electronic means.

John Kenneth Galbraith, in his book The Age of Uncertainty, wrote that “All of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common: it was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time. This, and not much else, is the essence of leadership.” In the special issue of the American Psychologist devoted to leadership, Warren Bennis (2007) suggests that the four most important threats facing our world today are these: (a) a nuclear or biological catastrophe; (b) a worldwide pandemic; (c) tribalism and its cruel offspring, assimilation; and (d) leadership of our human institutions. He points out that solving the first three problems will not be possible without exemplary leadership and that an understanding of how to develop such leadership will have serious consequences for the quality of our health and our lives.

Bibliography:

• Allen, T. D., Eby, L. T., Poteet, M., Lima, L., & Lentz, E. (2004). Outcomes associated with mentoring protégés: A meta-analysis. Journal of Applied Psychology, 89, 127–136.
• Avolio, B. J. (2007). Promoting more integrative strategies for leadership theory building. American Psychologist, 62, 25–33.
• Avolio, B. J., Sosik, J. J., Jung, D. I., & Bierson, Y. (2003). Leadership models, methods, and applications. In W. C. Borman, D. R. Ilgen, & R. J. Klimoski (Eds.), Handbook of psychology: Vol. 12. Industrial and organizational psychology (pp. 277–307). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
• Bass, B. M. (1990). Bass and Stogdill’s handbook of leadership: A survey of theory and research. New York: Free Press.
• Bass, B. M. (1997). Does the transactional-transformational leadership paradigm transcend organizational and national boundaries? American Psychologist, 52, 130–139.
• Bass, B. M., & Avolio, B. J. (1994). Improving organizational effectiveness through transformational leadership. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Bennis, W. (1989). On becoming a leader. New York: Perseus.
• Bennis, W. (2007). The challenges of leadership in the modern world: Introduction to the special issue. American Psychologist, 62, 2–5.
• Blake, R. R., & Mouton, J. S. (1984). Solving costly organizational conflicts: Achieving intergroup trust, cooperation, and teamwork. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
• Dansereau, F., Graen, G. G., & Haga, W. (1975). A vertical dyad linkage approach to leadership in formal organizations. Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 13, 46–78.
• Eagly, A. H. (1987). Sex differences in social behavior: A social role interpretation. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
• Eagly, A., & Johnson, B. (1990). Gender and the emergence of leaders: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 108, 233–256.
• Fiedler, F. E. (1964). A contingency model of leadership effectiveness. In L. Berkowitz (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 1). New York: Academic Press.
• Fiedler, F. E. (1967). A theory of leadership effectiveness. New York: McGraw-Hill.
• Gibb, C. A. (1969). Leadership. In G. Lindzey & E. Aronson (Eds.), The handbook of social psychology (2nd ed., Vol. 4, pp. 205–282). Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.
• Graen, G. B., & Uhl-Bien, M. (1995). Relationship-based approach to leadership: Development of leader-member exchange (LMX) theory of leadership over 25 years: Applying a multi-level multi-domain perspective. Leadership Quarterly, 6(2), 219–247.
• Hackman, J. R., & Wageman, R. (2007). Asking the right questions about leadership. American Psychologist, 62, 43–47.
• House, R. J. (1971). A path-goal theory of leader effectiveness. Administrative Science Quarterly, 16, 321–328.
• House, R. J. (1977). A 1976 theory of charismatic leadership. In J. G. Hunt & L. L. Larson (Eds.), Leadership: The cutting edge. Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press.
• House, R. J., Hanges, P. J., Javidan, M., Dorman, P. W., & Gupta, V. (Eds.). (2004). Culture, leadership, and organizations: The GLOBE study of 62 societies. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• House, R. J., & Mitchell, R. R. (1974). Path-goal theory of leadership. Journal of Contemporary Business, 3, 81–97.
• Howell, J. M., & Avolio, B. J. (1992). The ethics of charismatic leadership: Submission or liberation? Academy of Management Executive, 6(2), 43–54.
• Indvik, J. (1986). Path-goal theory of leadership: A meta-analysis. Proceedings of the Academy of Management Meeting, 189–192.
• Judge, T. A., Bono, J. E., Ilies, R., & Gerhardt, M. W. (2002). Personality and leadership: A qualitative and quantitative review. Journal of Applied Psychology, 87, 765–780.
• Kellerman, B. (2004). Bad leadership: What it is, how it happens, why it matters. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
• Lord, R. G., & Maher, K. (1989). Perceptions in leadership and their implications in organizations. In J. Carroll (Ed.), Applied social psychology and organizational settings (Vol. 4, pp. 129–154). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
• Lord, R. G., & Maher, K. J. (1991). Leadership and information processing: Linking perceptions and performance. Boston: Unwin Hyman.
• McClelland, D. C., & Boyatzis, R. E. (1982). Leadership motive pattern and long-term success in management. Journal of Applied Psychology, 67, 737–743.
• McGregor, D. (1960). The human side of enterprise. New York: McGraw-Hill.
• Miller, R. L., Butler, J., & Cosentino, C. J. (2004). Followership effectiveness: An extension of Fiedler’s contingency model. The Leadership and Organizational Development Journal, 24, 362–368.
• Murphy, S. E., & Ensher, E. A. (1999). The effects of leader and subordinate characteristics in the development of leader-member exchange quality. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 29, 1371–1394.
• Perrow, C. (1970). Organization analysis: A sociological view. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
• Pfeffer, J. (1977). The ambiguity of leadership. Academy of Management Review, 2, 104–112.
• Strube, M. J., & Garcia, J. E. (1981). A meta-analytic investigation of Fiedler’s contingency model of leadership effectiveness. Psychological Bulletin, 90, 307–321.
• Vroom, V. H., & Jago, A. G. (2007). The role of the situation in leadership. American Psychologist, 62, 17–24.
• Yukl, G. A. (1981). Leadership in organizations. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
• Yukl, G. A. (1998). Leadership in organizations (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
• Zaccaro, S. J. (2007). Trait-based perspectives of leadership. American Psychologist, 62, 6–16.

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

• How it works

Useful Links

How much will your dissertation cost?

Have an expert academic write your dissertation paper!

Dissertation Services

Get unlimited topic ideas and a dissertation plan for just £45.00

Order topics and plan

Get 1 free topic in your area of study with aim and justification

Yes I want the free topic

Leadership Dissertation Topics

Published by Grace Graffin at January 4th, 2023 , Revised On August 15, 2023

Leadership is an attribute of leading and guiding subordinates for collective wellness. Many people aspire to become leaders, but only a few succeed. It is because leadership and management are two relatively different concepts. A manager is not always a leader, and a leader cannot always be a manager. So a leader knows how to manage a group without having distinguished power.

That said, leadership is an exciting discipline to explore and study. If you have aimed to write your dissertation about leadership and direly looking for some exceptional leadership research topics, do not worry; we have got your back. Find out the most relevant and striking list of leadership topics for the research.

You can start your leadership dissertation by requesting a brief research proposal  from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an  introduction  to the problem,  research question , aim and objectives,  literature review , along with the proposed methodology  of research to be conducted. Let us know if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  example dissertation  to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

You can review step by step guide on how to write your dissertation  here .

Want to know what essay structure and style will work best for your assignment?

Problem fixed! We can write any type of essay in any referencing style. We ensure every essay written is beyond your expectations.

2022 Leadership Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: a comparative analysis of the impact of transformational and servant leadership style on employee satisfaction and performance..

Research Aim: The research aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the impact of transformational and servant leadership styles on customer satisfaction.

Objectives:

• To analyse the factors impacting employee satisfaction and performance.
• To determine the similarities and differences among transformational and servant leaders.
• To conduct a comparative analysis of the impact of transformational and servant leadership styles on customer satisfaction.

Topic 2: Investigate the suitable leadership attributes for handling crises and the financial stability of the business.

Research Aim: The research aims to investigate the suitable leadership attributes for handling crises and the financial stability of the business.

• To analyse the leadership attributes ideal for handling crises and unpredictable situations.
• To evaluate the factors impacting the financial stability of businesses.
• To investigate the suitable leadership attributes for handling crises and the financial stability of the business.

Topic 3: Analysis of the medical leadership response in the NHS during the initial stages of the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK.

Research Aim: The research aims to analyze the medical leadership response in the NHS during the initial stages of the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK.

• To analyse the impact of medical leadership on staff morale and the quality of patient care.
• To determine the medical leadership in the NHS and its impact on staff productivity and efficiency.
• To investigate the medical leadership response in the NHS during the initial stages of the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK.

Topic 4: How does poor leadership impact the overall organisational revenue and culture?

Research Aim: The research aims to analyse how poor leadership impacts the overall organisational revenue and culture.

• To analyse the ramifications of poor leadership in organisations.
• To evaluate the factors contributing to organisational revenue generation and shaping the organisational culture.
• To analyse the impact of poor leadership on overall organisational revenue and culture.

Topic 5: Analysis of the potential use of AI for enhancing leadership performance and decision making.

Research Aim: The research aims to analyse the potential use of AI for enhancing leadership performance and decision making.

• To analyse how AI contributes to leadership decision making.
• To identify the factors impacting leadership performance and the role of technology.
• To analyse the potential use of AI for enhancing leadership performance and decision making.

Topic no.1: Significance of leadership in business

Research Aim: In times like the present, when there is wavering financial stability, it is imperative for businesses to become as strong as they could be. Only good leaders in a company can help make the right and timely decisions for making it successful. The research will deeply analyze and study the importance of leadership in a business. It will figure out the challenges posed to business due to poor or absence of good leadership.

Topic no.2: Leadership and management

Research Aim: Leadership and management are two different things, but they go hand in hand. But it is significant to understand in what premises and situations leadership becomes more crucial than management and vice versa. It is also significant to find whether or not one is independent of the other. The main of the research will be to find out the answers to all of the aforementioned questions.

Topic no.3: political leadership; the ramifications of poor leadership

Research Aim: The aim of the research would be to analyze and evaluate political leadership and study the consequences of poor leadership. The researcher can study different political leaders and tehriu model of leadership and their repercussions on the citizens of their state.

Topic no.4: Role of women in educational leadership

Research Aim: Women are no less than men in any field, especially leadership. In fact, women leaders have proved themselves over and over again throughout history. The aim of the research would be to identify and analyze women’s role in educational leadership. It will find out the women who played a centrifugal role in the sector of educational leadership.

Topic no.5: Climate leadership

Research Aim: Fairly a new avenue of leadership, climate leadership is one of the most needed and prospering kinds of leadership. When it comes to saving the earth, many are raising their voices, and some are taking crucial actions. The research would aim to explore the nature of leadership predominating for climate preservation, who are the key leaders at the forefront, what approaches are they using for inhibiting global warming, and what would be the recommendations in that regard.

Topic no.6: Impact of leadership style on the performance of employees

Research Aim: The aim of the research would be to understand the interrelation of leadership style and the performance of employees. The researcher will evaluate the performance of employees under different types of leadership styles, i.e., authoritative leadership, participative leadership, delegation leadership, transactional leadership, and transformational leadership. It will evaluate the psychological and behavioural traits of employees under each specified type of leadership.

Topic no.7: Traits of good corporate leadership

Research Aim: The aim of the research is to identify the features and characteristics of good corporate leadership and design a model that can be followed to achieve business goals.

Also Read : How to Write Dissertation Aims and Objectives?

Topic no.8: leadership responses during the pandemic

Research Aim: The aim of the research is to study the role of leaders in crisis management, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research will study the leadership responses of different countries and evaluate their measures and their repercussion in response to the outbreak.

Topic no.9: Leadership and economy

Research Aim: The economy of a country depends largely on how the leaders are amending the bogus policies and creating effective, updated ones for economic growth. In essence, it is the leaders whose policies lead to a thriving economy. The aim of the research is to find the relationship between leadership and the economy and how good leaders lead to a better economy.

Topic no.10: how leaders are leveraging AI for their optimal performance

Research Aim: The aim of the research is to find out how(if) global leaders are using technology to improve their performances in their respective fields. There are many leaders, apart from technological leaders, who are using different forms of technology to boost their performance and interact with their subordinates.

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service !

Topic no.11: Digital leaders of the future

Research Aim: The aim of the research would be to understand and analyze how digital leaders use information and technology to help an organization become more receptive to customer needs and changing business requirements.

Topic no.12: Leadership culture

Research Aim: The leadership culture is how leaders interact and communicate with the group of people they are commanding. The aim of the research is to study and evaluate the leadership culture prevalent in our society versus how it should ideally be.

Topic no.13: Leadership and managing adversity

Research Aim: The prime aim of the research would be to understand the art of managing adversity and adversaries that leaders employ to swipe off the obstructions that hinder their goals. In order to become a good leader, it is eminent to get familiar with the strategies to get rid of the oppositions that cause damage to the goals.

Topic no.14: Leadership and emotional intelligence:

Research Aim: Emotional intelligence is more important than IQ, and for leaders, it is more than important to hold their nerves to pass the testing times. The aim of the research is to identify and explore the importance of emotional intelligence in leaders and how they use it strategically to cope up with difficult times.

Topic no.15: Women's leadership styles vs men's leadership style

Research Aim: Leaders are leaders, and they have nothing to do with gender, but it is said that there are a bit differences between women’s leadership and men’s leadership. The aim of the research would be to analyze each one’s leadership styles and determine their differences.

Topic no.16: Leadership and ethical paradigms

Research Aim: The aim of the research would be to analyze leadership in the context of five ethical paradigms. It will understand and evaluate how leaders company different levels of ethics during their period of management.

Topic no.17: A case study of Jacinda Ardern's leadership

Research Aim: Newzealand was the first county to swipe off the covid 19 cases from the first wave. It was attributed to the policies of state and leadership for impressive achievement. The main aim of the research is to study and analyze the role of Jacinda Ardern in crisis management.

Topic no.18: A case study of Margret thatcher- the iron lady

Research Aim: Probably no one would be unaware of the first woman prime minister of Britain, Margret Thatcher. The aim of the research is to analyze and evaluate her leadership style that earned he the title of Iron lady.

Topic no.19: Leadership and education

Research Aim: Leadership in the education sector is as important as in any other field. The aim of the research is to study the inclusive or exclusive relationship between leadership and education. It will also provide suggestions about how to improve leadership approaches in education.

Topic no.20: transformational and transactional leadership; the right approach to lead a business

Research Aim: Two main types of leadership include transformational and transactional leadership styles. The aim of the research would be to analyze and evaluate both styles and suggest the benefits and downsides of each style and determine which approach is the best.

Conducting research on leadership and related topics can be very useful and exciting, but when it comes to writing, students become dreadful. But do not worry, we have got your back. Whether you want a section of the dissertation to be written impeccably or the whole of it, we are here. Don’t wait; click here.

Free Dissertation Topic

Phone Number

Academic Level Select Academic Level Undergraduate Graduate PHD

Academic Subject

Area of Research

Frequently Asked Questions

How to find leadership dissertation topics.

For leadership dissertation topics:

• Analyze leadership challenges.
• Explore industry or context.
• Study effective leaders.
• Examine leadership theories.
• Consider organizational issues.
• Select a topic resonating with your passion and research goals.

You May Also Like

If you are an avid photographer and wish to spend your life doing something that you love, which is obviously photography, you must be thinking about pursuing it further.

Need interesting and manageable Environmental Engineering dissertation topics? Here are the trending Environmental Engineering dissertation titles so you can choose the most suitable one.

There is a rite of passage in selecting a dissertation topic in the academic world. A well-chosen subject may also lead to research questions that will keep one’s intellectual curiosity alive for years to come.

USEFUL LINKS

LEARNING RESOURCES

COMPANY DETAILS

• How It Works

TopSCHOLAR®

Home > CEBS > ED_LEADER > ED_LEADER_THESES

Educational Administration, Leadership, and Research Theses

Theses and specialist projects from 2023 2023.

The Role of Leaders in Implementing Effective Leadership Strategies Towards the Educational Barriers of US-based Refugee Students: A Qualitative Case Study of Congolese Refugee Students , Faustin Busane

Using Improvement Science to Address Early Elementary Teacher Efficacy and Competency When Addressing Trauma-Induced Behavior , Laura Hayes

Internationalization of Higher Education: Leadership Roles and Challenges Senior International Officers Face in Their Efforts to Internationalize Regional Comprehensive Universities in the United States , Ibrahima Yaro

Theses and Specialist projects from 2022 2022

Anxiety Patterns in Gifted Adolescents from Parents' Perspectives , Felicia Moreschi

The Impact of Teacher Perception of Gifted Individuals on the Instruction of Gifted Students , Justin Moreschi

Theses and Specialist projects from 2010 2010

Characteristics of Local Dual Credit Programs That Promote Sustained Enrollment and High School Achievement , Karl William Olive

Theses and Specialist projects from 2009 2009

How Do Teachers Learn New Skills for Reading Instruction and Transfer Their Learning into the Classroom? , Patricia Ann Sharp

Theses and Specialist projects from 2008 2008

Principals and Teacher Leaders Co-Constructing Theories in Practice: Empowerment and Accountability Exchanged Through School Leadership , Janet Hurt

Theses and Specialist projects from 2007 2007

The Long-Term Effects of a Preschool Program , Kerry Holloman

Theses and Specialist projects from 2005 2005

The Residual Effect of Novice Primary Teachers on Reading Achievement Scores , Connie Mayo

Principal and Teacher Flow of Influence in High-Achieving, High Poverty Schools , Lisa Murley

Reading Achievement: The Impact of America's Choice in Kentucky's Schools , Brent VanMeter

Theses and Specialist projects from 1999 1999

A Comparison of the Transition of Special Needs Students to Regular Education Students , Anita Burnette

Theses and Specialist projects from 1998 1998

Assessment of the Academic Needs of Students Enrolled by the Bowling Green Community College & the Development of a Learning Assistance Model Which Will Maximize Their Probability of Success , Elizabeth Riggs

Theses and Specialist projects from 1996 1996

Assessing Variables Related to Participant Knowledge Retention at General Project Management Training for New Trio Personnel , Charlene Manco

Assessing the Persistence to Graduation of Students Joining Fraternities at Western Kentucky University , Charles Pride

Theses and Specialist projects from 1994 1994

A Comparison of the Tests of Adult Basic Education and the Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test in Predicting Academic Success in Practical Nursing Programs , Sally Crenshaw

Assessing the Efficacy of the Training Opportunities Program for Undiscovered Potential (TOP UP) Dropout Prevention Program at Western Kentucky University for At-Risk High School Students , Kaye Foust

Theses and Specialist projects from 1993 1993

Attendance at a University Residential Summer Camp & Students’ Subsequent Enrollment at that University , Mae Guinn

Theses and Specialist projects from 1992 1992

A Study of an Academic Enrichment Program at Western Kentucky University , Huda Melky

Effect of a Summer Camp on the Self-Concept & Wilderness Anxiety of Fifth & Sixth Grade Campers , Mazen Melky

The Relationship Between Meaning in Life & the Occurrence of Drug Abuse: An Epidemiological Retrospective Study , Thomas Nicholson

Teacher Influence in Site-Based Decision Making: A Descriptive Study , Keith Restine

Theses and Specialist projects from 1991 1991

An Analysis of Kentucky’s Principals: Perceptions and Preparedness to Assume the Role of School Based Management , Byron D. Jeffries

Theses and Specialist projects from 1990 1990

Public Relations: Its Importance in the Public School System , Lawrence Crittenden Hunter

A Comparison of the Frequencies of Selected Teaching Behaviors of Trained and Untrained Teachers , Raymonde Antonia Frances Joseph

Stress Indicators of Kentucky Elementary Principals , Helen Kirby

Site-Based Management, Knowledge Base of Kentucky Superintendents , Alan Reed

An Analysis of Attitudes of Administrators Towards Higher-Level Thinking Skills , Janet Zipprich

Theses and Specialist projects from 1989 1989

Peer Coaching & Change Implementation , Jolene Black

Premenstrual Syndrome-Related Personality & Cognitive Processing Alterations as Indicated by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator , Linda Scariot

An Analysis of Selected Demographic Variables Concerning Kentucky School Supervisors , Margaret Sims

An Analysis of Administrative Computer Use by Secondary Principals in Kentucky , Darrell Witten

Using Collegial Leadership in a Design to Improve Instruction: The Curriculum & Instructional Leader Program , Cora Wood

Theses and Specialist projects from 1988 1988

Special Ideas , Marlene Ashby

Management Guide for Early Childhood Programs , Cathy S. Jording

A Survey of Factors Affecting Enrollment in Mathematics Teacher Education Programs , Rebecca Miller

Theses and Specialist projects from 1987 1987

Comparative Instructor Attitudes Toward College Level English and Mathematics Experiences for Gifted High School Students , Bruce Vickers

A Study of the Educational Needs of Business & Industrial Employees & a Proposed Industrial Education Degree , Palisa Williams

Theses and Specialist projects from 1985 1985

Factors Affecting Successful Use of Amplification in the Elderly Population , Joseph Etienne

The Effects of Various Kinds of Background Music on the I.Q. Scores of Ninth-Grade Students , L.C. Bud Johnston

Impact of the Educational & Life Planning Course on Undecided Students: An Evaluation Model , Diana Shores

Theses and Specialist projects from 1983 1983

An Evaluation of the Guidance & Counseling Program of the Bishop David Memorial High School , Richard Staples

Theses and Specialist projects from 1982 1982

The Development & Study of a Competency-Based Vocational Education Drafting Program , Kenneth Mussnug

Theses and Specialist projects from 1981 1981

A Model for Use in Planning an In-Service Training Program at Naval Air Technical Training Center, Lakehurst, New Jersey , Martha Gantt

The Effect of Summer Recess on the Reading Achievement of Title I Students at L.C. Curry School, Bowling Green, Kentucky , Virginia Scheider

A Survey to Assess the Awareness of the Bowling Green Community in Regard to the International Student Community at Western Kentucky University , Susan Tesseneer

A Study of the Holding Power and Follow-Up of North Bullitt High School Students (Classes of 1978, 1979 and 1980) , Robert Wagoner

Theses and Specialist projects from 1980 1980

A Study of Grade Retention & Social Promotion in the McLean County, Kentucky School District , John Settle Jr.

A Descriptive Study of the Problems Reported by Selected Students on Academic Probation at Western Kentucky University , James Somers Jr.

A Comparison of the Admission Criteria of Kentucky's Junior Colleges , Janet Walters

A Study of Factors Related to Low General Technical Scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery as Identified by Members of the Second Squadron, Seventeenth Cavalry, Fort Campbell, Kentucky , David Yates

Theses and Specialist projects from 1979 1979

A Comparison of Traditional Grass-Twist Backstops to One of Corrugated Cardboard Design Use on Indoor Ranges , Charles T. Crume Jr.

The Relationship of Sex-role Classifications, Measured Vocational Interests and Expressed Vocational Interests of Selected College Women , SallyAnn McLeod Koenig

A Comparison of Role Performance & Role Expectation of Supervisors in Selected Public School Districts in Kentucky , Mae Mefford

Alienation and the Associate Degree Student within the College of Business and Public Affairs of Western Kentucky University , Leonard Schira

Theses and Specialist projects from 1978 1978

The Perceived Role of the University Residence Hall Director , Jan Akers

A Survey of the Work-Study Programs in the State Universities of Kentucky , Glen Knight

A Comparative Study of the Expenditures of the Robertson County, Tennessee, Pupil Transportation System , James Talley Sr.

Theses and Specialist projects from 1977 1977

ocial Factors & Perceived Problems as Predictions of Success in Basic Combat Training , James Georgoulakis

Theses and Specialist projects from 1975 1975

A Descriptive Study of Ninth Grade Reading Programs in Schools of the Second Education District of Kentucky , Eloyse Jean Groves

Theses and Specialist projects from 1974 1974

A Position Paper of Environmental Education for Nelson County , Geneva B. Hunt

Advanced Search

• Notify me via email or RSS
• Colleges, Departments, Units
• Faculty/Staff SelectedWorks
• Disciplines
• WKU Journals/Peer-Reviewed Series
• Conferences and Events

Author Corner

• Author Submissions
• TopSCHOLAR copyright form
• Log into SelectedWorks
• WKU Libraries
• WKU Homepage
• WKU Libraries OA Hall of Fame
• Kentucky Research Commons
• Digital Commons Repositories
• Educational Administration, Leadership, and Research Website

Home | About | FAQ | My Account | Accessibility Statement

Privacy Copyright

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

• We're Hiring!
• Help Center

A Thesis proposal on the role of Government leadership and stakeholders in solving the Challenges of Good Governance in Ethiopia

Leadership is an essential feature of all government and governance: weak leadership contributes to government failures, and strong leadership is indispensable if a government is to succeed (Masciulli, 2009). A good leader must be able to render selfless service and desist from selfishness, he must make provision for training and empowering his people and encourage self-employment, he must be serious about issues that concern the youths as they are the future leaders and should not look down on the adults. There abound different styles of leadership with attendant different effects. Effective leadership is helpful in ensuring organizational performance and in solving the challenges of good governance. As a result, many leadership theories have been proposed in the last fifty years which are claimed to have influenced the effectiveness of organizations where they have been employed through employee performance (Obasan and Banjo 2014).

Related Papers

The leadership practices were conducted in many government institutions leadership practices was formed. From these institutions, 122 participants were selected through proportionate, simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Questionnaire and interview were employed to collect data from different part of society and leaders respectively. Both descriptive and inferential statistics, including mean, standard deviation and independent sample t-test were used to analyze the quantitative data. The data gathered through interviews were analyzed qualitatively using narration. The study found that the five transformational leadership models were being practiced low or below average in the different part of institutions. But, when the models were independently considered, the variable enabling others to act and model the way were rated relatively high whereas the remaining three leadership practices, inspiring a shared vision, challenging the process and encouraging the heart were rated low by the respondents. The result shows that majority of the trainers in the difference part of office were not satisfied with the leaders' engagement in the five leadership practice of Kouzes and Posner's transformational leadership models. Leaders' failure to effectively lead change and innovation, lack of professional support for leaders and their incapability to use various approaches in securing and utilizing resources were the major problems hindered effective implementation of change in the institutions. It is recommended that the Oromia difference part of office commission should plan and invest resources in the development of leadership in the difference office of the region. The plan should focus on the utilization of best leadership practices that directly influence institutional effectiveness, relevant to the management of training institutions. Leadership has become a key component of organization, management and administration of throughout the world. In the some decades, changes In Technology, economy, social, political and cultural aspects of the world have imposed changes their economic systems of both developed and developing countries. To cope with this, economic leaders are bewildered by the rigor of demands and increasing responsibilities that their governments specifically and the public, in general, have imposed upon .Ethiopia began to review its economic system comprehensively with the belief that human beings are the best resources for achieving comprehensive economic and social development. During the past few years, education and training system in Ethiopia have undergone both major quantitative and qualitative change. A succession of new policies was designed and implemented, with the Education and Training Policy being the first major framework for systems reform and transformation. It is believed that one of the main problems in achieving organizational goals and satisfying the need of the society in a developing country is the capacity and effectiveness of leadership. The key for successful implementation of educational reform in Ethiopia depends on how different actor such as scholars, policy makers, and other stakeholders perceive the meanings and opportunities of their roles during the reform process to maximize its potential benefit. At the same time, however, leaders of education institutions have always been viewed as critical to success of the reform and can exhibit tremendous influence on it (Cizek, 1999).

Fikre Fikadu Fufa , Professor, Dr. Bhaskar Pillalamarri

Leadership is an essential feature of all government and governance: weak leadership contributes to government failures, and strong leadership is indispensable if a government is to succeed. The main directions of Stakeholders and public participation, strengthening democratic system and national consensus to be pursued during GTP II are building, strengthening and consolidating the system of democracy and good governance throughout the nation. Good governance is one of the pillars for rapid economic, social and political development. The FDRE in its countrywide strategic plans (PASDEP, currently GTP) highly emphasized the need to enhance community participation in policy formulation, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. It comprised a range of interventions such as human development, democratization, enhancing peoples’ participation, integrated capacity building, transparency and accountability. The sustainability of the good governance civic engagements in creating citizens participation by using dialogue and interface meetings enhance citizen’s participation in planning, monitoring and evaluation of basic public service and that in turn promote the service provision. However, insufficient state-citizen relationship, weak application of good governance, and social inclusion hinder the smooth flow of the service provision in Addis Ketema sub-city. Sustainable participatory planning between Government leadership, stakeholders, communities and basic public service providers are still lacking in many of the sector offices. The performance of the service providers in providing quality service and good governance is not in a position to meet the need of service users. Therefore, the major purpose of the study was assessing the role of Government leadership and stakeholders in solving the Challenges of Good Governance and how it will be institutionalize in the government reform agenda in the future. It also identified the major areas of problems in implementing the good governance program related to service delivery, Government leadership, and the stakeholders’ engagements. The analysis was conducted by using a descriptive survey method by clustering the respondents in to citizens, government leadership, service providers, and stakeholder. The sample is selected using judgmental sampling technique. To do this, the citizen’s are first stratified in to age categories, and then questionnaires were distributed to 300 citizens by using simple random sampling technique. Both primary and secondary data was used in the study. Moreover, structured and semi-structured interviews and FGD were conducted to gather relevant information from key informant interview from service providers, government leadership, and Stakeholders. The major findings of the thesis identified that existence of rent-seeking thinking, lack of commitment from the leadership of the municipalities, lack of commitment of the employees, lack of qualified manpower in the municipalities, lack of standardized performance standards as major challenges of good governance among others. The greatest concern given, currently, for the expansion of good governance at the country level is also found the most important prospect. It can then be concluded that the condition of good governance in the study area was not satisfactory. Thus, it is recommended that the leaders and stakeholders of the municipalities should promote accountability, transparency, rule of laws, and enhance the participation of local communities in municipal developments. The opportunities, at the municipal level, to promote good governance have to be identified and properly harnessed. The municipalities should try to find qualified and competent human resource administrators for municipal services provision.

Yirga Goraw

Worksew Argaw

Fikre Fikadu Fufa

Abstract The purpose of this paper was to assess the challenges of good Governance in Ethiopia. Governance, in the world of globalization and competition, matters in accelerating development and in reducing poverty particularly in most developing countries of the world. In line with this, good governance allows for sound and efficient management of resources for equitable and sustainable development. In Ethiopia, many people are poor; municipalities are very responsive areas because of the nature of services they provide. They are also highly susceptible areas for bad governance. The general objective of this seminar is to assess the challenges of good governance in Ethiopia. Concerning the methodology, quantitative and qualitative approaches of different researches were employed. Both primary and secondary sources of data were taken from different written documents and researches. The major findings of the paper identified that existence of rent seeking thinking (corruption), lack of commitment of the leadership, lack of commitment of the employees (work place deviation), lack of qualified man power in the leadership position, lack of standardized performance standards as major challenges of good governance among others. Currently, the greatest concern has been given by the Ethiopian Government to ensure the expansion of good governance at the country level; by undertaken the deep renewal and the fifth years performance evaluation programs, from top to down. It can then be concluded that the condition of good governance in the study area was not satisfactory. Thus, it is recommended that the Government leadership from top to down should promote accountability, transparency, rule of laws, democracy, and enhance the participation of local communities in municipal developments by taking corrective actions. The opportunities, at the municipal level, to promote good governance have to be identified and properly harnessed. The municipalities should try to find qualified and competent human resource administrators for municipal services provision. Improving the participation of the community to be minimizing the challenges of good governance in Ethiopia is very important. Because, ensuring good governance cannot be attained only through the efforts made by the government.

Mulatu Lerra

This study aimed to identify the determinants of leadership in improve sound governance in education sector institutions of the South Nation Nationalities People Region (SNNPR). The study was used a quantitative method (QUAN). It used inferential approach for their appropriateness for defining the research problem. The survey questionnaire collected from 660 participants purposefully and randomly selected from the nine zones, nine Woredas, and nine town administrations sampled education institutions of the SNNPR. Multistage sampling techniques (purposive, random sampling techniques) were instrumental. The logit model and multicollinearity effect were employed were instrumental. It has been found that sampled education sector institutions were experiencing various leadership determinants that hindered the promotion of sound governance, on the logit model. It can be concluded that, despite some policy initiatives and directives introduced by the regional government, the study identi...

Costantinos Berhutesfa Costantinos

Ethiopia, a country now synonymous with food aid and safety nets, is endowed with over 70 million hectares of arable land out of which only 12% is utilised. It is also the water tower of Eastern Africa, its rivers scooping two million tons of soil out of the country every year. Yet Ethiopia has been on food aid for the last four decades. Hence, the research questions augur on: does leadership enter societies as an external ideology, constructing and deploying its concepts in sterile abstraction from local beliefs and values? Does it come into play in total opposition to, or in cooperation with historic national values and sentiments? Does leadership of human security alter power balances nationally breeding tyrannical societies and states? In the struggle over establishment of rules of economic & political engagement, do states equate this with production of broad-based concepts, norms & goals, which should temper their 'aim' of political rule? Thus, developing the agricultural sector means developing the economy. Domestic private investors have to be encouraged to go into the fertile lands of rural Ethiopia. The rural sector is one major area of domestic farming private sector development that has to be considered and supported by appropriate policies and procedures. The issue of rural sector development in rural Ethiopia is inextricably linked with the issue of rural land policies. The policies and legislative measures regarding rural land and the administrative mechanisms, policies and procedures and their ability to interpret and implement them would determine the fate of agriculture and the private sector in general. This is leadership. Leadership is above all about responsibility; requiring acceptance of the importance of one's self; coupled with an appreciation of the greater importance of others over oneself. Leaders are expected to develop the capacity, through their statements and actions, to shape debate and dialogue. Political leadership of human development and human security requires intimate knowledge of public policy analysis, formulation and management and development of strategic plans and implementing them An inspiring ‘job description’ of leaders must be not only the power over discourse but also their ability to shape morality, to determine what is socially acceptable, culturally sound and politically uplifting.

moges logaw

This research is mainly stressed on a comparative study on quality of leadership practice in Ethiopian Higher education institutes (HEIs) specifically on leadership practice in private and public Universities within five selected HEIs. Its implication in other public sectors was also examined based on the findings within the higher education. Basically the research looked into the styles, behaviors and practice of leadership within the private and public HEIs. In the research different leadership theoretical were examined and used in studying the practice. In Ethiopia, there are forty four public and four private universities. Out of these figures by the use of stratified sampling techniques three universities from public and two from private were selected from faculties of business & economics and informatics. Data analysis was made by using both chi-square and t-test for quantitative data and use of interpretational and reflective analysis for qualitative data. The findings showed...

abubakar goga

This paper is an analysis on “Leadership and Good Governance in Africa: Is there Any Link? Africa’s failures of good governance and regional development have been largely as a result of leadership failures. These manifest in frequent leadership change, lack of political will, lack of realistic ideology, policy reversal and weak institutions. The paper focuses on selected African countries with more emphasis on Nigeria. Data were generated from secondary sources and analysed using content analysis. The paper reveals that the leadership election processes in the continent takes the imposition pattern and that African leaders have frequently come to their position with different motives instead of the quest to facilitate the delivery of services through good governance. Therefore, leadership failures in the areas of poor policies, policy sumersault, indiscipline, corruption and the likes have weakened the system of governance or rather good governance, which affect overall development....

Ahmad Aminu

This paper is a critical analysis of leadership and governance crises in Africa. It argues that Africa's failures have come about largely as a result of frequent leadership change, lack of ideology, policy reversal and weak institutional patterns. The paper also examines the leadership selection process in Africa and that the leadership selection process in Africa takes the imposition pattern and that African leaders have frequently come to their position with limited experience. Hence, the decline in moral and discipline caused by bad policies, eroded professional standards and ethics and weakened the system of governance. The paper lay emphasis on leadership and governance in some selected African countries. The paper observes that for Africa to overcome the crises of leadership and governance in the continent, those on whom the burden of leadership will fall in the future must fully comprehend their responsibilities, duties and obligation. They must also be exposed and be prepared to face the challenges of leadership in developing society. Since the long term salvation of developing countries depends on the quality of its future leaders. The paper concludes that only leadership that has maximum empathy for the people can be relevant to the qualitative movement of Africa.

RELATED PAPERS

Michele Giugliano

UDESC 50 anos: A trajetória da universidade dos catarinenses

Sandra Makowiecky

2012 IEEE Statistical Signal Processing Workshop (SSP)

Theodoros Tsiligkaridis

Antzina Revista De Genealogia Vasca E Historia Local

Pilar Martinez Soto

Ingeniería Agrícola y Biosistemas

Juan Manuel Loeza Corte

2010 IEEE 5th International Conference on Nano/Micro Engineered and Molecular Systems

Wen Jung Li

Florentia Iliberritana Revista De Estudios De Antiguedad Clasica

Juan Jesús Valverde Abril

Agi Prayoga

hendro lukman

Magyar Traumatológia Ortopédia Kézsebészet Plasztikai Sebészet

Petra Balogh

Freshwater Science

Steven Loiselle

Theodor Geelmuyden

Filosofia Poesia Lunaria

First Monday

Françoise Daucé

Macromolecules

Proceedings of the 15th Brazilian Meeting on Organic Synthesis Proceedings

Ana Camila Micheletti

Atmospheric Environment (1967)

John Cooper

Roberto Cavaleiro

Proceedings of 36th International Cosmic Ray Conference — PoS(ICRC2019)

Federico Fausti

Formation et profession

Melanie Buser

When East Meets West: Chichen Itza, Tula, and the Postclassic Mesoamerican World, edited by Travis W. Stanton, Karl A. Taube, Jeremy D. Coltman, and Nelda I. Marengo Camacho. B.A.R.

Jeremy Coltman

Revue italienne d’études françaises

Maria Beatrice Venanzi

Novecento.org

Enrico Miletto

Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology

Fadi Al Khoury

RELATED TOPICS

•   We're Hiring!
•   Help Center
• Find new research papers in:
• Health Sciences
• Earth Sciences
• Cognitive Science
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Academia ©2024

• WRITING CENTER
• CUSTOMER AREA
• Client Reviews
• Our Writers
• Sample Papers
• Study Resources

Get Your Grades Improved by Our Professional Writers - We are Trusted by Thousands of Students!

Global compose inc. constantly employs professional homework writing help writers from usa, uk, ca and au. the writers are highly trained professionals, comprising of 500+ masters and ph.d level writers available 24/7. we assist clients who either have difficulty completing their assignments, sick or in need family time. to get started, submit your instructions., calculate your order price.

Use Discount Code: FIRST5 at Checkout FIRST5 -->

PRICE BEFORE DISCOUNT: $15.00

• Leadership Studies

Sample Research Proposal Paper on Leadership Studies: Case K-12 Research Proposal

Get homework help on this topic - check the quality of writing from this sample, if you are looking for assignment help on this topic or similar topic, click on order now button to submit your details. once we have your order details, your assignment will be assigned to one of our best writers, who will then proceed to write your paper and deliver it within your specified deadline. thank you for choosing us today, research design.

This section of the study focuses on the study methodology for a proposed research. A case study method will be undertaken to help in comprehending problems associated with leadership, with particular interest on Linden Park Middle School where problems currently exist on the need to improve the school. The dilemma faced by the principal is that some of the teachers are resistant to operational changes that have been recommended especially with reference to school improvement committees. The research design will help in giving a clear understanding of the problem as well as structuring a methodology for use in the actual study.

Problem Statement

Linden Park Middle School is facing a challenge in performance, and a new principal has been brought in by the Superintendent to uplift the school to satisfactory performance levels or else the school risks being taken over by the state. The challenge faced by the principal, Gloria Thorson, is that after forming two School Improvement committees to address the issues of bullying and school literacy rates through strategically laid down procedures. While the committee in charge of bullying is doing well, the teachers in the school literacy committee are offering resistance to the proposed changes and show unwillingness to work with the other committee members for the benefit of the school. Despite being dedicated to the cause, the principal has to find better ways of managing this resistance.

As is mandatory in any organization, dealing with leadership challenges requires more than just dedication. Although many leadership studies have been carried out over the years, there still exists an information gap to be filled through continued research. Most of the studies carried out focus on the aspects of leadership styles, and the challenges faced in various positions of leadership. Moreover, the studies have applied case examples from different organizations.

It is however strange that only a few of these studies are focused on the school leadership concept, and particularly on the challenge of resistance to change in the school. The proposed study is thus aimed at giving substantial information about how the challenge of resistance to change can be dealt with in a school set up. The decision to make this proposal was motivated by the K-12 case for Linden Park Middle School where the school management is required to make quick changes that will result in better performance both in discipline and in academics.

The issue of change initiation and management as a challenge to leadership is also identified and addressed by several other authors (Schuler, 2003; Pardo del val & Martinez, n.d; Hernandez, 2011). Smollan (2011) opines that organizational change is a mandatory process that indicates growth. Organizational change is driven by the desire to adapt to the organization’s environment and to improve its performance. In either way, the most economical and feasible method is often selected for change initiation. However, two thirds of change initiation strategies in organizations fail due to resistance to change. This should not be the case since if effectively managed, change can be a driver for better performance through initiating an innovation process as well as offering help in identifying organizational weaknesses and addressing them (Smollan, 2011).

Importance of the study

The issue of resistance to change in organizations is a problem worth researching because it is a key leadership challenge, affecting not only Linden Park but also organizations across the world. The research will contribute to the academia immensely through providing additional information on the subject of resistance to change in organizations; specifically giving recommendations for use in the school set-up and giving ideas for further research into the areas of leadership challenges in the future. To other stakeholders, the research will be instrumental because the recommendations offered therein can be applicable in all other organizations just as the leadership problems are also similar across organizations. It is thus an informative and essential research.

Research Questions

A solution to the prevailing problem can be described by a single major question which can be defined as:

• What is the most prevalent challenge to leadership at Linden Park Middle School and how can it be addressed?

This question forms the origin of our research and answering it will be able to address the problem outlined as researchable. In order to effectively address this question, the research is proposed to begin from a general theoretical basis, leading to sufficient information that will be used to analyze the presenting problem and to place it in the Linden Park Middle School context. The research will therefore be guided by the following minor questions:

• What are some of the challenges faced in leadership in various organizations?
• How can the problem of change resistance be addressed in the school set up?

Answering these research questions will help the paper to build up gradually, from the point of little to no information to understanding fully how Gloria Thorson, the principal at Linden Park, as well as leaders facing resistance to change can be able to make decisions that lead to better performance in all the areas of the organizations’ strategic plan. These questions will also result in the formulation of recommendations for application to other leadership problems. For Linden Park Middle School, all the variables such as challenges to leadership and the ways of resolving them will be founded on the principle that the incumbent leader has the objective of improving the school’s performance in a limited amount of time.

Research Methodology

The proposed study will adopt a case study methodology towards the accomplishment of the study objectives. The basis for choosing this particular method is because case studies have been confirmed to be effective towards the accomplishment of organization specific objectives and where generalizations are not desired (Baxter & Jack, 2008). The focus of the case study will be Linden Park Middle School, with the particular problem of research being the basis for the study. This method is a type of qualitative research which aims at obtaining information that can be applicable to a wide range of situations within contexts similar to the one presented in the case study. Moreover, the case study approach to research is effective in giving an investigative outlook at an issue, which can help in clearly bringing out answers to research problems.

The rationale for using qualitative research in this study is that the research questions require theoretical answers. This implies that an in depth exploration of the presented ideas has to be carried out. The effectiveness of exploratory research for empirical objectives has been highlighted by Baxter and Jack (2008). This particular qualitative design is effective for the exploration of any phenomenon within a particular context when the intended information source is varied. An open ended interview questionnaire will be designed for the primary data collection as this is one of the methods that have been found suitable for collecting information from small sample populations. The advantage associated with the interview design is that it gives the respondents an opportunity to give their opinions without interference or coercion (Baxter & Jack, 2008).

A case study will be the most relevant qualitative design approach for this study as it focuses on the problem faced in a single institution (Linden Park Middle School). A case study is a qualitative research design which involves an exploration of issues associated with a particular subject at a given time and in a specific context (Creswell, 2009). For instance, the present research focuses on the problems faced by Linden Park School in the context of school improvement teams. As such the design involves an in depth exploration of the case of Linden Park Middle School. The case study as a qualitative design is proposed because it offers a variety of advantages for the study. First, carrying out a search for the data to be used will lead to the discovery of so much information both for the present study and out of it due to the design’s exploratory nature. In addition to this, the study will also provide a sufficient theoretical cover to be applied in the case study presented for the research. In addition to extensive data availability, the qualitative approach is also described by Creswell (2014) as being flexible and adjustable. Another advantage of the design is that it can be carried out within specific ethnographic divisions to give representative information based on its flexibility (Creswell, 2009).

The case study will help to understand the prevalent problem at Linden Park Middle School and thus offer substantial information on how to address the problem as well as how to apply the information received to other situations with identical challenges.

Population, Sample and Location

The case study will be carried out within the confines of Linden Park Middle School. The school contains nearly 1000 students and it can therefore be concluded that the population is sufficient for a school related case study. While carrying out the study, it is the intention of the researcher to involve both students and teachers in the study in order to be able to get conclusive as well as descriptive information. A total of 10 students and 5 teachers will be reached for the purpose of gaining a double view on the challenges facing the school. The focus on students and teachers is based on the foundation that small groups of individuals who have the greatest contact with the research problem are capable of providing detailed first hand information about a problem (Creswell, 2013). Baxter and Jack (2008) suggest that small sample populations are effective due to ease of management.

The actual sampling will be done using a random sampling technique whereby any of the students will be requested to participate and only the first 10 to accept will be taken as respondents. Similarly, only the first five teachers to accept the interviewer’s invitation will participate in the activity. This method is effective for case studies as it helps to avoid biasness in respondent selection and interview (Creswell, 2013).

Instrumentation

While carrying out the study, the key primary data collection method will be interviews. As such, a voice recorder, questionnaire, pens and papers are essential for this study. The voice recorder will be used to record each interview for later reference during data compilation. The interviewer holds the obligation to maintain the confidence of the interviewees and to keep their data in privacy. It is also mandatory for the interviewer to represent the data received truthfully hence the need for a tape recorder (Creswell, 2013). The pens and papers are necessary for written records while the interview questionnaires will offer guidance to the interviewer on how to go about the process.

Interview Questions

Interview questions should be designed based on the intended answers to the questionnaires. The questions asked should all lead towards accomplishments of the research objectives. It is the obligation of the interviewer to design questions which do not pry into the privacy of the respondents. Consequently, the interviews will be carried out and recorded on the basis of anonymity, with the key objective being to protect the identity of the respondents and thus protect them from victimization (Baxter & Jack, 2008).

During the proposed study, the researcher intends to use a semi-structured template for the interview. Open ended questions will be provided since it has been confirmed that such an approach is effective for gaining sufficient information. Moreover, the respondents are more likely to give information from their own opinions and observations rather than being guided by offered answers. The information gathered through an open ended interview can therefore be said to be more authentic (Creswell, 2009). The following is a template for the interview questions to be used in the study.

• What can you describe as the greatest challenge you have faced since joining this school?
• Do you think the challenge has been brought about by a particular behavior? If so, elaborate.
• Do you think the curriculum is being effectively tackled in this school?
• What has been the greatest challenge to tackling the curriculum in recent years?
• What do you think of the school improvement committees that were recently constituted for the school improvement?
• Do you think the school will advance if these improvement teams perform on their mandates?
• Would you want the school operations to be taken over by the state?
• How do you suggest that the principal should handle the school improvement teams?
• Do you think the principal’s efforts at improving the school are being sabotaged? If so, by who?
• Are you willing to be part of the school improvement efforts?

These questions have the potential of resulting in high quality responses from the interviewees. The researcher will initiate the interactions between the interviewer and the potential respondents in order to create a positive rapport which is essential for truthful response to interviews (Creswell, 2014).

Data Collection Procedures

In using the exploratory qualitative approach to study, the main sources of data for the proposed study will be pieces of literature on the subjects of leadership and resistance to change. The materials used will be analyzed for suitability based on the content as well as the year of publication. Articles that are at most 10 years old will be used for the dearth of information to be represented in the proposed study. Moreover, any material whose content does not provide answers to the proposed research questions will be deemed unsuitable for the study and will therefore be excluded from the study.

Besides, the secondary data sources i.e. the books and other pieces of literature, a primary data collection procedure will also be used. Primary data collection procedures help to gain real life reports from respondents. These reports can then be linked to the information collected theoretically from secondary sources to help in drawing conclusions. Interviews have been confirmed to be an effective method for obtaining first hand information in case studies. The research will therefore adopt an open ended interview questionnaire to be issued to sample populations of teachers and students from Linden Park Middle School. In order to represent information as entirely required, the interview process will be audio recorded for later analysis. This will also help to save time during the actual interviews.

Data Coding

Data coding will mainly be done for the interviews. Since the interviews will be carried out on a basis of anonymity, the voice records will be made in a serial manner, corresponding to the respondent codes on the data sheet. Each student respondent will be accorded a pseudonym with two letters i.e. S and a number relating to their position in the voice recorder. For example, the first student will be S1. On the other hand, teachers will also have letter T and their position such as T10. Each of these codes will be used during data analysis to effectively represent the data.

Data Analysis

The data collected through secondary data sources will be analyzed through a continuous abstraction process which involves repeated summary until the finest details relating to the research questions have been achieved. In doing this, it is intended that the overall objective be to converge at the point of research questions. On the other hand, the analysis of interview responses will be based upon written reports of body language as well as recorded verbal responses. These will also be recorded and continuously summarized until a conclusion and recommendations can be drawn. The behaviors of the respondents during the interview has the potential of indicating where there is some greater information needed as well as  whether the responses given are truthful enough. Moreover, each of the questions will be given a series of key words related to the answers so that the weight of each answer can be analyzed.

Strengths and Limitations

The proposed research design will be able to answer the research questions in greater details than presented above. Furthermore, the research will be a source of additional information to the academia regarding leadership, particularly in schools. Another strength for the qualitative research design is that it is flexible and enables divergence from the expectations of research particularly during the interviews and the case study as a whole. An advantage of the interview is that the information gained will be sufficient for the study since it gives an opportunity to ask additional questions where the response given is considered as desiring. The proposed open ended design is therefore comprehensive.

On the other hand, the major delimitation for this research design is that the research will still be limited in its scope. This is because it focuses of a single school hence has a small sample population. The proposed design also fails in generalization since it has the capacity of exploring the details of a problem without delving into the surrounding probabilities (Creswell, 2009). Moreover, it also focuses on only a single problem in the school. It is thus recommended that other studies be organized to delve more into the school leadership role and thus provide a greater dearth of information than the proposed study.

Baxter, P. & Jack, S. (2008). “Qualitative Case Study Methodology: Study Design and Implementation for Novice”. The Qualitative Report ,13(4), 544-559.

Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches 3 rd Ed. Thousand Oaks.

Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Sage Publications

Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches 4 th Ed. Thousand Oaks.

Hernandez, R.G. (2011). Coping with Resistance to Change in Organizations. Retrieved from http//:www.diva-portal.se/./fulltext01.pdf

Pardo del val, M. & Martinez, F.C. (n.d). “Resistance to Change: A Literature Review and Empirical Study”. Retrieved from http//:www.[v.es/~pardoman/resistencias.pdf

Schuler, A.J. (2003). “Overcoming Resistance to Change: Top ten Reasons for Change Resistance”. CIPD

Smollan, R. (2011). “Engaging with Resistance to Change”. University of Auckland Business Review, 13(1).

Do you have an Assignment on a Similar or Related Topic? We can Help You Right Now! Click on the Order Now button...

Are you looking for homework writing help on this topic? This question was posted by one of our client seeking homework help.  If you are therefore looking for an assignment to submit, then click on  ORDER NOW button or contact us today. Our Professional Writers will be glad to write your paper from scratch, and delivered within your deadline. Perfect choice for your excellent grades! www.globalcompose.com.

We ensure that assignment instructions are followed, the paper is written from scratch. If you are not satisfied by our service, you can either request for refund or unlimited revisions for your order at absolutely no extra pay. Once the writer has completed your paper, the editors check your paper for any grammar/formatting/plagiarism mistakes, then the final paper is sent to your email.

Writing Features

Affordable Writing Services

Experienced Writing Team

24/7 Team of Writers

Professional E ssay Writers

Quality Measures

Trained Support Team

Non-Plagiarized Papers

Well Researched Papers

Free Writing Resources

Privacy | Confidentiality

We do not share your personal information with any company or person. we have also ensured that the ordering process is secure; you can check the security feature in the browser. for confidentiality purposes, all papers are sent to your personal email. if you have any questions, contact us any time via email, live chat or our phone number., our clients testimonials, a team of +500 masters and ph.d level homework writing help writers available 24/7 cannot get it wrong. the following are customer reviews about the quality of our services..

“Thanks for offering your professional assistance on this one. Topic was confusing but writer worked it out”

Added 24 Minutes Ago

“Thanks, I like the literature review, it is discussed in depth. Have looked at the results section and it is conclusive as I expected. Thank you”

Added 12 Hours Ago

“I like the discussion on the case study. Thank you. Am satisfied and wanted to request that same writer will handle my future assignments”

Added 30 Minutes Ago

“I was paranoid about online writing services, but on this one, the results are evident that you are much better. Will order more papers”

Added 3 Minutes Ago

“I think the paper is alright. If I can book the writer for the soon upcoming assignment, it will be great. Thanks”

Added 6 Minutes Ago

Why choose our homework writing help, we try to work as diligent as we can to help you meet your homework’s deadline. our support staff is always online 24/7 to help clarify any issues or concerns you have regarding our services. talk to us today to find out how our writers may be of help to you., customized papers, we consider your instructions and specifications in order to tailor the paper to suit your expectations., only professional writers, all our writers have a masters or ph.d and are well trained to handle assignments in various disciplines at different education levels., fast and reliable, our writers are capable of handling any assignment with short deadline and deliver without any delay, thus saving you time and energy, round the clock support, our customer support is always ready to offer real time assistance of day and night, through email, live-chat and phone., cost effective prices, we save you money with our affordable prices and huge discounts on all assignments., 100% original papers, all our papers are thoroughly researched and written from scratch. be sure of completely non-plagiarized papers., our ordering process, to get started with our homework writing help, simply click on the order now button. its easy, secure and takes less than 2 minutes to complete. the following steps illustrates the entire process., fill the order form: include all instructions and files for your assignment., submit your payment via card or paypal so that your order can be processed., a writer works on your paper and submits to editors upon completion., the completed paper is examined by our editors, then sent to your email, want to learn from experts check the writing tips below.

Final Paper Assignments

• Thesis Writing Help
• Dissertation Chapters
• Writing Research Papers
• Project Writing
• Term Paper Writing
• Speech Writing

Weekly Assignments

• Essay Writing
• Coursework Writing
• Assignment Writing Help
• Homework Writing Help
• Book Review Writing
• Movie Review Writing

Creative Assignments

• Power Points Preparation
• Analyzing Case Studies
• Creative Writing Papers
• Critical Thinking Writing
• Annotated Bibliography
• Capstone Project Writing

Admission Papers

• Writing Scholarship Essay
• Writing Admission Essays
• Writing Application Essays
• Writing Entrance Essays
• Personal Statement Essays
• Reaction Paper Writing

Samples of our Writing Illustrated Below

We have compiled a list of samples written by our writers for your review. you can use these samples to write your paper. you must however cite the source properly. if you are looking for a non-plagiarised paper, click on the order button. our professionals will work on your order. are you looking for writing tips check the list on this page. we are glad that we could help..

• Discussion Essay Homework
• Dissertation/Thesis Writing
• Book Review Paper
• Business Plan Homework
• Capstone Project Paper
• Creative Writing Homework
• Critical Thinking Homework
• Application Essay Homework
• Case Study Homework
• Literature Review Homework
• Personal Reflection Homework
• Reflection Essay Homework
• Research Proposal Homework
• Annotated bibliography Paper
• Article Review Homework
• Research Paper Homework
• Movie Review Sample
• Term Paper Sample
• Admission Essay Homework
• Argumentative Essay Paper
• Response Essay Homework

A List of Related Papers On This Category is Provided Below

• Sample Leadership Studies Paper on Leading Change
• Sample Paper on Reflection on My Own or Peer’s Leadership
• Sample Paper on the Coca Cola Company
• Sample Research Paper on Leadership
• Sample Dissertation Conclusion Paper on Diluting Stock Values by Placing the Interests of the General Public over Profits
• Sample Book Review Paper on Leadership Studies
• Sample Critical Thinking Paper on Riverside Pediatric Associates
• Sample Case Paper on Ethical Culture and Leadership
• Sample Coursework Paper on School of Thought
• Sample Assignment Paper on Debate
• Sample Leadership Studies Paper on Managing remote workers
• Sample Book Review Paper on Playing the Enemy
• Sample Coursework on Leadership Styles and Qualities
• Sample Paper on Leadership Studies
• Sample Essay on How to Manage and Lead the Hotel Team
• Sample Research Paper on Toyota’s Quality Control
• Sample Paper on Great Dialogues of Plate- Meno and Socrates
• Sample Paper on Leadership Project
• Sample Coursework Paper on Presidential Leadership and Electoral College

Get your Homework Written by our Top-Notch Writers Now