The Role of the Vertical Leader in Shared Leadership
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University of St. Thomas, Minnesota UST Research Online Education Doctoral Dissertations in Organization Development School of Education Fall 11-21-2020 The Role of the Vertical Leader in Shared Leadership Jacqueline P. Anderson Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.stthomas.edu/caps_ed_orgdev_docdiss Part of the Education Commons, and the Organization Development Commons The Role of the Vertical Leader in Shared Leadership A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of the Opus College of Business of the University of St. Thomas By Jacqueline P. Anderson In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education November 19, 2020 Abstract The purpose of this quantitative, positivistic study is to investigate the unique roles, actions, and behaviors of vertical team leaders that lead to the emergence of shared leadership, effectiveness, and performance in work teams in organizations. The correlational study design evaluated critical leadership functions relative to a 20-item shared leadership inventory. The study included 34 team leaders and 101 team members associated with primarily Midwestern organizations. The findings revealed that all leadership functions can be shared to a certain extent, but the leadership function of providing feedback was notably less shared than other leader functions. In addition, not only can functional leadership participation be a predictor of shared leadership, but also, this research has established new reliability and validity of the he Team Leadership Questionnaire (TLQ). Other findings from this sample indicate that functional leadership can be a predictor of shared leadership and when leadership functions related to planning and initiating (transition phase) are more shared, then the execution functions (action phase) are also more shared. The transition function predicts the outcome of shared leadership more strongly. Finally, there is a strong correlation with perceived leader effectiveness and leadership satisfaction with shared leadership in this study. This research provides new insights for creating an environment that better supports shared leadership and challenges some traditionally held norms of the unique role of the vertical leader. i Dedication This is dedicated to the women of my past and future. To my mom, Barbara Purcell (née Jurgella), who never had the opportunity to complete a college journey; it is your qualities of faith and perseverance that you passed on to me, that made this achievement possible. As my example, it is not lost on me all the strong women I descended from; that spirit filled me with fortitude and moved me through the most difficult times. Finally, to my daughters, Lindsay, Erin and Ava, my wish for you as you navigate your amazing futures is that your love of learning continues to thrive. Despite any obstacle in your way, I know you will persist! ii Acknowledgements Though a doctorate is a worthy undertaking, it would be unobtainable without the support of academics and professionals that engage wholeheartedly in the process in addition to family and friends that provide unconditional support despite their personal sacrifices. I am grateful to all who participated in this research during a global pandemic with so many other uncertainties in their own personal and professional lives. I am deeply appreciative of the guidance provided by Mr. Casey Giordano, a statistical “Sommelier”, who was generous with his insights and patience. Words cannot express the indebtedness I feel towards my dissertation committee members. My sincerest gratitude goes to Dr. David Jamieson, who made the journey possible through his passion and love of the field of Organization Development, as well as Dr. Jean Davidson, who was always willing to lend a listening ear, a helping hand, and support through the entire adventure. For my committee chairperson, Dr. Robert Barnett, who pushed me, and pulled me, to always show my best work and best self—I have been blessed by your willingness to provide time, wisdom, course corrections, and the occasional kick in the pants. This would not have been possible without your mentorship and willingness to invest so much in me, and I am all the better for it. Finally, I would like to thank my dear, sweet husband, who may have never really understood why I needed to do this, but always gave his full support despite that fact. For my lovely daughters, who ARE the future: never stop challenging yourself to grow. I am eternally grateful for the love and flexibility my family provided me on this journey and look forward to what lies ahead. iii Table of Contents Abstract .................................................................................................................... i Dedication ............................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................ iii List of Tables and Figures ..................................................................................... vii Chapter 1: Introduction ........................................................................................... 1 Background ......................................................................................................... 2 Problem Statement .............................................................................................. 8 Research Purpose ................................................................................................ 9 Significance of the Study .................................................................................... 9 Research Questions ........................................................................................... 10 Limitations ........................................................................................................ 10 Chapter Summary ..............................................................................................11 Chapter 2: Literature Review ................................................................................ 12 Shared Leadership in Teams ............................................................................. 12 Vertical Leadership in Teams ............................................................................ 24 Summary of Shared and Vertical Leadership in Teams .................................... 31 Functional Leadership in Teams ....................................................................... 31 Chapter Summary ............................................................................................. 40 Chapter 3: Methodology ....................................................................................... 42 iv Research Paradigm............................................................................................ 42 Research Design................................................................................................ 42 Participants and Research Procedures .............................................................. 42 Instruments and Measures................................................................................. 43 Data Analysis .................................................................................................... 52 Chapter Summary ............................................................................................. 52 Chapter 4: Results ................................................................................................. 53 Shared Leadership ............................................................................................. 53 Functional Leadership ....................................................................................... 54 The Relationship Between Shared Leadership and Leadership Functions ....... 59 Predictors of Shared Leadership ....................................................................... 60 Chapter Summary ............................................................................................. 62 Chapter 5: Discussion ........................................................................................... 63 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 63 Results of the Research ..................................................................................... 64 Methodological Considerations ........................................................................ 71 Limitations ........................................................................................................ 72 Recommendations for Future Research ............................................................ 72 Recommendations for Practice ......................................................................... 75 Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 78 v References ............................................................................................................. 80 Appendix A ........................................................................................................... 89 Appendix B ........................................................................................................... 91 vi List of Tables and Figures Tables Page 1 Meta-Analyses of the Relationship Between Shared Leadership and Team Effectiveness and Performance………………………………... 20 2 Moderators of Shared Leadership…………………………………....