A Phenomenological Study of Leaders' Perceptions and Experiences in Local Government

A Phenomenological Study of Leaders’ Perceptions and Experiences in Local Government by Janet Elerene Williams MBA, Troy State University, 1999 BS, Hampton University, 1991 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University October 2015 Abstract An emerging crisis in the public sector of the United States is that local government organizations are unable to recruit and retain leaders. A large proportion of high-level and mid-management public administrators leave the profession within a 5-year period. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore, identify, and describe patterns in the experiences and perceptions of local government administrators to promote careerAn emerging crisis in the public sector of the United States is that local government organizations are unable to recruit and retain leaders. A large proportion of high-level and mid-management public administrators leave the profession within a 5-year period. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore, identify, and describe patterns in the experiences and perceptions of local government administrators to promote career longevity. The central research questions were designed to determine whether work adjustment theory accurately described the lived experiences and perceptions of the subjects’ career success in local government. Data collection included in-depth interviews with 10 current high level and mid-management local government leaders in the state of Virginia. Key findings of a thematic analysis of the interviews were that altruism was a strong motivator for career longevity and progression, intrinsic rewards outweighed extrinsic rewards such as salary and compensation, and that most of the participants perceived that an advanced education supports career success. The study further found that reactive adjustment of adaptability was a key driver of the participants’ career success and longevity when applied through the theory of work adjustment. This study contributes to positive social change by providing specific recommendations to municipal governments related to the recruitment and retention of existing leadership. Ultimately, this guidance for existing and future public administrators will promote career longevity by utilizing satisfaction formulas, yield career sustainability with success attributes, and frame government leadership for the future by revealing existing experiences and genuine perceptions. A Phenomenological Study of Leaders’ Perceptions and Experiences in Local Government by Janet Elerene Williams MBA, Troy State University, 1999 BS, Hampton University, 1991 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University October 2015 Dedication I would like to dedicate this research to the true public servants who have been a central and influential part in my life and others. Women such as the Mrs. Regina V.K. Williams-Gates, Dr. Laverne Parker-Diggs, and Del. Daun Sessoms-Hester have been public servants and effective leaders in business, government, sisterhood, and mentorship. To my immediate family: Berthel and Bernice Hall (mother and father), Pauline Hall Rochester and Donna Staple (sisters), and Carlton Hall, Clifton Hall and Michael Anthony Hall (brothers) — no one can divide us; we are truly the living fiber that defines family. Mrs. Clements, Deirdre Clements, and Jacquetta Drones Yee—you ladies always have my heart. Thank you to Frank Lomeli, Kimberley Joyner-Pierce, Oliver Love, and the future Dr. Shenelle Lea Byrd, my dissertation colleague. Close friends—you define for me sustaining friendship, and in return I wish to model my future leadership behavior after the constant inspiration that you have shared and shown me over the last 20 years. Last, but never least, I acknowledge the power and driving strength of my supportive and loving family to include David Alan Williams (husband) of 23 years, Olivia Renee Williams (daughter), and Ian Joseph Williams (son). Thank you for always reminding me at our family meetings of our credo that states, “We will do all things together, with God. ” Acknowledgments I would like to thank the only Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me the strength to see and trust my own value about self-perseverance. If not for his presence in my life, I would not have been capable of understanding the meaning of this work and the life changing journey I would be undertaking. I know what it is like to have him protecting my heart, nourishing my soul, and restoring my spirit, all to prepare me for triumph. Fear was never a choice, I choose to acknowledge that fear is not part of my future reality either. I would also like to express my deepest sincere gratitude to my advisor Dr. Cassandra Caldwell, chairperson; Dr. Lisa Saye, committee member; and significantly, uuniversity research reviewer, Dr. Tanya Settles—these women are truly amazing.