Developing a Diocesan Vitality Index to Explore Leadership Styles Employed by U.S. Catholic Bishops in Top-Performing Latin-Rite Dioceses From 2000-2020
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Authors
Brandenburg, Daniel
Issue Date
2023
Volume
Issue
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Catholic Bishops , Diocesan Vitality , Laissez-Faire Leadership , Leadership Styles , Organizational Health , Transformational Leadership
Alternative Title
Abstract
This dissertation presents the development of a diocesan vitality index and exploration of the leadership styles employed by Catholic bishops in top-performing Latin-rite dioceses in the United States from 2000-2020. In the literature review, I explore factors affecting the leadership of Catholic bishops: (a) Ecclesial foundations, (b) how to objectively measure what constitutes a “healthy” or top-performing diocese, and (c) leadership styles. I selected a mixed-methods approach with four steps: (a) Qualitative focus groups and interviews to understand key variables of diocesan health, (b) quantitative testing to hone a model and better understand correlations, (c) quantitative analysis of the MLQ-5x survey administered to 177 ordinaries, and (d) qualitative interviews with bishops who raised vitality scores in a sustained manner. Findings include: (a) No top scoring dioceses are larger than 44th in size rank, indicating smaller dioceses are healthier and easier to turn around, (b) there was a high prevalence of laissez-faire leadership among current ordinaries (N = 54), above the 70th percentile, (c) the correlation between transformational leadership and changes in vitality score was positive as hypothesized, though not statistically significant, r = .18, p = .31, and (d) the correlation between laissez-faire leadership and changes in vitality score was negative as hypothesized, though not statistically significant, r = -.33, p = .06. This research resulted in a reliable way to compare dioceses and track performance. I propose four solutions, present avenues for future research, and discuss implications of this research for bishops and for those entrusted with leadership development of future pastors.
Description
2023
Citation
Publisher
Creighton University
License
Copyright is retained by the Author.
A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University and to ProQuest following the publishing model selected above.