The Impact of Ethics and Faith on the Leadership Styles of Black Women in Higher Education

Abstract This phenomenological study explored the connection between ethics and faith as well as the impact that such connection has on the leadership styles of Black women in institution of public education. For the sake of confidentiality, pseudonyms were used for the participants and to protect their privacy. Multiple data collection and analytical methods were utilized to document the experiences and voices of the participants. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to understand the role and impact of ethics and faith on the leadership styles of Black women in higher education. The major goals of the research are: 1) to explore the role that ethics play on the leadership styles of Black women. 2) to examine the role that faith plays on the leadership styles of Black women and 3) to illuminate how Black women in higher education employ both ethics and faith in their leadership styles. The findings of the study begin a research agenda to study ethics, faith and leadership, particularly in settings of public institutions of higher education. One research recommendation from the study was further research, as well as the need for additional participants using rigorous qualitative and quantitative methods and analysis. The findings of this study outlined how ethics connect to faith and how these participants employ that connection to their leadership styles. Practical implications for women leaders are include

Parenthood and Persistence of Adult Learners in the Western Region of the United States

This study explored the role of parenthood on adult learners who were parents of minor children and gaining an understanding of their needs while attending a college or university. A qualitative phenomenological approach and purposive techniques were used to identify and recruit adult learners who were parents of minor children located in the general area in the Western Region of the United States. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and Yüksel and Yıldırım (2015) guide used for phenomenological narrative data analysis. Recorded interviews were transcribed into text and NVIVO software was then used to organize the interview data and uncover any connections or themes of the data. The key findings fully supported Bean and Metzner’s (1985) theory of adult learner’s attrition model. Study participants cited that time management skills, dependable childcare, and faculty support affected their decision to persist at a college or university. Additionally, adult learner -parents indicated that their experience would be less challenging if childcare was available at the campus at the times that their class are scheduled. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that higher education leaders tasked with serving a large population of adult learners who are parents to focus on promoting childcare centers or discounts to student enrolled at the institution at the times that they are scheduled to take classes and encourage faculty members a supportive relationship for learner-parents. Recommendations for future research include exploring the relationship between environmental, psychological, and academic supports and student-parents’ decision to persist

A Global Perspective of Transformational Leadership and Organizational Development

Grounded in transformational leadership theory (Northouse 2010) this paper presents an analytical perspective of global transformational leadership and its role based upon ideological issues in cultural relevance, ethics and social responsibility. Interests in global transformational leadership is increasing due to interdependence of cultural, global, economic, and political issues that require the collaboration and networking efforts of leaders. The researchers examine these issues and ideologies using a metacognitive lens for the purpose of furthering the research on global transformational leadership in leadership development and organizational leadership programs of study in higher education