Coexisting leadership? the emergence of communal leadership amidst hierarchy

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Kimberly B. Madrigal (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Shapiro

Abstract: Virtually all communities carry hierarchies, and most individuals recognize the necessity to participate in these communities. Yet, many individuals assume they have a narrowly defined role in the hierarchy of these communities. The research illustrates that two systems of leadership must coexist in order to more justly serve individuals, organizations, and, as a natural outgrowth, society as a whole. Utilizing photovoice as the community-based participatory methodology, the overall research study engages hierarchical leadership and communal leadership, focusing on the humane collaboration of eleven individuals at a community college in what they perceive to be a communal leadership model for the sake of a more socially just system of leadership. The main question this research engages is "What is communal leadership?" This main question encompasses a number of questions, such as "What does it mean to talk about communal leadership and what are its characteristics?" "Are there current examples, and how do we recognize them?" "What are the conflicts involved in a practice of communal leadership?" The study concludes that communal leadership, as it coexists with hierarchical leadership, is a more inclusive model that values the input of all parties and shares power while minimizing the domination that too often occurs in current hierarchies.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2013
Keywords
Communal, Community, Hierarchy, Leadership, Social Justice
Subjects
Social justice
Community leadership

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