LEGISLATORS AS LEADERS: INVESTIGATING AND ELUCIDATING THE INFLUENCE OF GENDER, RELIGIOUS BELIEFS, AND MINDFULNESS ON LEGISLATIVE DECISION MAKING by ALISON J. BATTAGLIA Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Weatherhead School of Management Designing Sustainable Systems CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY May, 2017 CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES We hereby approve the thesis/dissertation of Alison J. Battaglia Candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy*. Committee Chair Diana Bilimoria., Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University Committee Member Kalle Lyytinen, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University Committee Member Kathleen Buse, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University Committee Member Eileen Doherty-Sil, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania Date of Defense March 24, 2017 *We also certify that written approval has been obtained for any proprietary material contained therein. © Alison J. Battaglia, 2017 All rights reserved. Dedication I dedicate this dissertation to legislators, advocates, stakeholders and policy makers who provide a voice and support for those unable to advocate for themselves. It is my hope that this research contributes to a strong and civil society that recognizes mindful deliberation, and the strengths inherent in gender differences. These critical practices, when applied by legislators, can improve the well-being and prosperity of everyone. We seek fairness and equity in each decision, particularly when they affect those who are in considerable need. We must never overlook the reality that the roots of our present impact our future. Table of Contents List of Tables .................................................................................................................... viii List of Figures .................................................................................................................... ix Abstract ............................................................................................................................. xii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW ........................................................1 Problem of Practice ..........................................................................................................4 Purpose of Research .........................................................................................................5 Research Questions ..........................................................................................................5 Definitions ........................................................................................................................6 Research Design ...............................................................................................................7 Flow of Research ..............................................................................................................9 CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH DESIGN ................................................................................ 11 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH FINDINGS ............................................................................14 Study 1: Qualitative Study Findings ..............................................................................14 Study 2: Quantitative Study Findings ............................................................................15 Study 3: Qualitative Study Findings ..............................................................................15 Chapter 4: Theoretical Framework ....................................................................................17 Decision-Making Theory ...............................................................................................17 Leadership ......................................................................................................................24 Social Role Theory .........................................................................................................45 Mindfulness ....................................................................................................................47 CHAPTER 5: A STUDY OF LEGISLATORS’ VALUES AND DECISION- MAKING (Study 1) ...........................................................................................................55 Theoretical Framework and Literature Review .............................................................55 Review of Literature .......................................................................................................57 Research Design .............................................................................................................63 Findings ..........................................................................................................................66 Discussion ......................................................................................................................70 Implications ....................................................................................................................75 CHAPTER 6: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY OF THE INFLUENCERS OF LEGISLATORS’DECISION-MAKING (Study 2) ...........................................................76 Theoretical Framework ..................................................................................................77 Review of Literature .......................................................................................................78 Hypotheses .....................................................................................................................82 v Research Design .............................................................................................................86 Exploratory Factor Analysis ...........................................................................................88 Hypothesis Testing .........................................................................................................91 Results ............................................................................................................................92 Discussion ......................................................................................................................94 Implications ....................................................................................................................97 CHAPTER 7: DOES MINDFUL LEADERSHIP MATTER? A STUDY OF LEGISLATORS’DECISION MAKING (Study 3) ............................................................98 Research Purpose .........................................................................................................100 Theoretical Foundations ...............................................................................................101 Review of Literature .....................................................................................................103 Findings ........................................................................................................................127 Discussion ....................................................................................................................136 CHAPTER 8: DISCUSSION, LIMITATIONS, IMPLICATIONS, AND CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................138 Discussion ....................................................................................................................138 Limitations ...................................................................................................................142 Implications ..................................................................................................................145 Future Research ............................................................................................................148 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................149 Appendix A. Theory Literature Review Table .................................................................154 Appendix B. Study 1 Qualitative Research Protocol .......................................................168 Appendix C. Agentic Decision-Making Quotes ..............................................................170 Appendix D. Communal Decision-Making Quotes .........................................................171 Appendix E. Quotes for Pride in Passion Bi-Partisan Legislation...................................172 Appendix F. Quotes for Consequences for Passing Bi-Partisan Legislation ...................173 Appendix G. Quotes for Listening ...................................................................................174 Appendix H. Construct Definitions .................................................................................175 Appendix I. Study 2 Quantitative Respondents Demographics .......................................176 Appendix J. Construct Table ............................................................................................178 Appendix K. Mindfulness Construct Definitions ............................................................182 Appendix L. Using Mindfulness and Legislative Decision-Making Process Qualitative Interview Protocol .........................................................................................183 Appendix M. Coding Results ...........................................................................................185 vi Appendix N: Quote Tree: Mindful Decision-Making