Date
3-2022
Department
Graduate School of Business
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Chair
John M. Borek
Keywords
leadership, organizational culture, transformation, communication, empowerment
Disciplines
Business | Leadership Studies
Recommended Citation
Jewell, Wendy T., "Enhancing Success Through Leadership" (2022). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 3443.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/3443
Abstract
This study sought to obtain a better understanding of how leaders influence the culture of the organization to enhance performance. A post-positive qualitative research case study was conducted at a state agency in the Commonwealth of Virginia. During this study, 13 semi-structured interviews were conducted with agency employees who participated on a project to implement a smart phone fuel application. This fuel application automated specific manual processes related to their fuel management program. While the fuel application project implementation was finishing, the interviews were conducted. During these interviews, participants provided their perspectives on leadership, communication, empowerment, project outcomes, lessons learned, and suggestions for future agency success. The interview responses of the participants were transcribed and coded. From these codes, five themes emerged during data analysis. These themes include leadership expectations, effective communication, lessons learned, project perspectives, and future agency success. The interpretation of these themes provide feedback to the senior executives of the agency regarding current initiatives and the change readiness of employees. Participants provided their perspectives on how the agency can be more successful in the future. While specifics are relative to the agency, the generalization of these themes have applicability to other organizations. Senior leaders can leverage these themes to initiate internal organizational dialogue. This dialogue can foster a more holistic understanding of the organization as well as identifying areas for improvement. Once identified, further collaboration through a cross-functional group of employees can also develop and implement creative solutions to enhance organizational performance toward the shared goals and objectives.
