Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Management

Advisor

Karla S. Phlypo

Abstract

Over the last 3 decades, religious organizations have been embroiled in scandals that

have diminished public trust in the ecclesiastic community.The purpose of this study was

to examine church leaders and members emotional intelligence and spiritual leadership

behavioral characteristics that cultivate trust, and enhance organizational effectiveness,

and establish a baseline database to facilitate perpetuating positive social change. The

theoretical framework for this study used three models: Chathoth Trust Model; the Wei,

Liu and Allen Emotional Intelligence (EI) model, and the Fry Spiritual Leadership

Theory (SL) model. Survey instruments for each model were used to determine

perspectives within the church that could support building trust. The key research

questions considered whether there was a correlation between EI, SL, and trust and if

there was any impact of trust on organization effectiveness (OE) in the sample of church

leaders and members. A sample of 364 church leaders and members provided the data

via opportunity sampling. Correlation, regression, and factor analyses were conducted

between EI, and SL (predictor variables), and trust (primary outcome variable) and OE

(secondary outcome variable). The results indicated a significant, positive relationship (a)

between EI and trust, (b) between SL and trust, and (c) with trust influencing OE. Positve

social change for both followers and leaders within an ecclesiastic community may be

experience, if leadership find value in the current outcomes and apply what has been

learned to further positive organizational transformation and trust.

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