Lincoln Memorial University LMU Digital Commons Ed.D. Dissertations Carter & Moyers School of Education 2011 Leadership Traits, Tools, and Practices: Decision Making in a Crisis Linda M. Murawski Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.lmunet.edu/edddissertations Part of the Educational Leadership Commons, and the Public Health Commons Approval of Dissertation Form The Dissertation Committee for Lincoln Memorial University certifies that this is the approved version of the following dissertation: LEADERSHIP TRAITS, TOOLS, AND PRACTICES: DECISION MAKING IN A CRISIS Committee: Committee Chairperson, Date Content Member, Date Methodologist, Date Director, Date Dean, Date Vice President Academic Affairs, Date Lincoln Memorial University Carter and Moyers School of Education Executive Leadership Department Dissertation Committee Dr. Betty Standifer, Chair Dr. Gary Peevely Dr. Reginald High LEADERSHIP TRAITS, TOOLS, AND PRACTICES: DECISION MAKING IN A CRISIS by Linda M. Murawski A dissertation presented to the Carter and Moyers School of Education in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education May, 2011 UMI Number: 3481345 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent on the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. UMI 3481345 Copyright 2011 by ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This edition of the work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 - 1346 ii Dedication For their unconditional love, support, and encouragement, this dissertation is dedicated to my family. This study is also dedicated to those who love learning, who take the journey of a doctoral program, and who complete that journey. Finally, this study is dedicated to those who serve in the crisis management community. iii Acknowledgements I extend my deepest thanks to my family who have encouraged, motivated, and tolerated me in this effort. To my husband, Bob, who above all others, has supported my dream to fulfill my education. You have provided many, many hours of listening, discussion, and support. I love you and appreciate your wonderful sense of humor, your leadership, and your companionship on this journey. To my daughter, Courtney, I say thank you for listening to your mother talk about her doctorate program…endlessly at times. I hope I have inspired you, too, to take this journey--one day. I would like to express my deepest appreciation and respect to my dissertation chair, Dr. Betty Standifer. Thank you for your encouragement and your understanding throughout this process which provided me with needed energy and motivation. To my dissertation methodologist, Dr. Gary Peevely, I say thank you. You have opened my eyes to the world of scholarly writing. I am forever changed by my newfound “habit of writing” and will always treasure your guidance in this endeavor. To my content specialist, Dr. Reggie High, I say thank you as well. You have been a cheerleader and someone whom I can call upon when needed. To Dr. Cynthia Norris, the LMU EdD Department Head, and a lady who is an inspiration to so many, I thank you. Your dedication to this program is overwhelming and your example of leadership is enduring. I thank my dear friends and colleagues - Ron Edmond and Allen Coggins- who energized and endured me on this journey. Your support was constant and unconditional. Finally, I wish to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all who participated in this study—those in the crisis/emergency management community. iv Abstract Crises often present complex, uncertain, and unstable situations where routine decision making is not enough. Crises are typically unpredictable yet leaders must prepare to make decisions using a variety of traits, tools and practices. While all leadership is dependent on many factors and subject to many variables, in a crisis, those variables are magnified. Effective decision making during a crisis is a key trait of crisis leaders and is developed over time and with practice. Using the classic Delphi Technique, the researcher obtained qualitative data from experts in crisis management concerning (a) the difference between non-crisis and crisis decision making, (b) the traits and tools of a crisis leader, and (c) evidence of effective crisis leadership practices. This research method was selected because of its flexibility, its use of experts, and the varied locations of those experts. Literature reviewed for this study considered traditional leadership as well as crisis leadership. Crisis leaders use traditional decision making strategies, tools and practices as well as those adapted to a crisis environment. This study seeks to capture some of that data and disseminate it to the community of practice as well as the research community. The goal of any research is to improve the field of practice, add to the body of knowledge, and increase awareness of an idea, concept, or theory. Recognizing the complexity of crisis environments, the researcher suggests recommendations that may assist the crisis management community to improve decision making and to share traits, tools, and practices of effective crisis leaders. Keywords: Crisis, emergency, leadership, crisis leadership, decision making ,Delphi Technique. v Table of Contents Approval of Dissertation Form .............................................................................................. Dedication ..............................................................................................................................ii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................iii Abstract ..................................................................................................................................iv List of Tables and Figures......................................................................................................ix Chapter 1: Introduction ..........................................................................................................1 Background of the Study ...........................................................................................6 Definitions of Terms ..................................................................................................7 Statement of the Problem ...........................................................................................12 Purpose of the Study ..................................................................................................13 Rationale for the Study ..............................................................................................14 Research Questions ....................................................................................................15 Significance of the Study ...........................................................................................15 Limitations .................................................................................................................16 Chapter 2: Literature Review .................................................................................................18 Review of Crisis and Emergency ...............................................................................19 Review of Crisis or Emergency Management ...........................................................20 Review of Leader and Leadership .............................................................................22 Review of Crisis Leaders and Crisis Leadership .......................................................25 Decision Making ........................................................................................................26 Selected Leadership Theories ....................................................................................31 Contingency Theory...................................................................................................34 Path-Goal Theory .......................................................................................................35 vi Leader-Member Exchange Theory ............................................................................36 Transformational Leadership Theory ........................................................................37 Situational Leadership Theory ...................................................................................38 Summary ....................................................................................................................40 Chapter 3: Methodology ........................................................................................................42 The Delphi Technique................................................................................................43 Delphi Rounds ...........................................................................................................48 Selection of the Panel and Participants ......................................................................50 Instruments .................................................................................................................52 Chapter 4: Results ..................................................................................................................56