Date of Award

Fall 9-2012

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Dr. Susan Isenberg

Second Advisor

Dr. Deb Ayres

Third Advisor

Dr. William Emrick

Abstract

This interpretive inquiry investigated, using a mixed method approach, organizational stress levels in military units and outcomes associated with heightening leaders’ emotional intelligence social awareness in a positive leadership framework. The researcher designed an understandable, easily implemented leadership tool to guide skill building with actions a leader should take to implement positive leadership principles and display high emotional intelligence skills. This tool can be used for self-development, hiring for leadership positions, leaders’ performance evaluations, and leadership development training. A Military Organizational Stress Reduction Pilot Project involving five military police units from around the U.S. served as the study’s basis. The researcher used Professional DynaMetrics Programs, Inc., ProScan® Surveys to gather information on individuals’ stress and satisfaction levels, and electronically aggregated data into an organizational level report. Administrators used this, along with individuals’ self-reported stressors and items influencing satisfaction levels to give organizational leaders increased awareness into their organization. The researcher analyzed the pre and post data from each team separately and the quantitative results proved to be consistent across all five teams. For example, the PDP ProScan® survey was determined to be reliable and valid for a specialized high stress military community. The researcher determined that each organization in the study offered a strong and vibrant workplace, however, there were consistent patterns indicating recognition concerns. This study reconfirmed that what is really important to people is regular interaction, appreciation, and recognition. This does not require much iii time, effort, or money but pays big dividends where relationships, stress/energy drain, and satisfaction are concerned. Statistically there was no difference in the organizational stress/energy drain or satisfaction levels after heightening the organizational leader’s emotional intelligence social awareness, however, qualitative analysis provided additional valuable insight. The qualitative analysis, including evaluations, focus group, and leadership interviews provided great insight into the value of heightening a leader’s emotional intelligence social awareness and showed observable decreases in stress/energy drain and increases in satisfaction levels. The quantitative and qualitative analysis combined to give the researcher a comprehensive view and overall perspective of the lived experience.

Rights

Copyright 2012

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