Leadership And Employee Engagement

Leadership Strategies and Employee Engagement by Kevin O’Brien Grant MBA, University of Wales, 2010 BS, University of Phoenix, 2008 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2019 Abstract Business leaders often encounter difficulties in achieving sustainable employee engagement in the work environment, yet employee engagement is critical to an organization’s financial success. The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore strategies business leaders use to overcome or mitigate the challenges of employee disengagement. A purposeful sample of 6 leaders employed at an insuranceBusiness leaders often encounter difficulties in achieving sustainable employee engagement in the work environment, yet employee engagement is critical to an organization’s financial success. The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore strategies business leaders use to overcome or mitigate the challenges of employee disengagement. A purposeful sample of 6 leaders employed at an insurance company participated in the study based on their knowledge and experience in implementing successful employee engagement strategies. The conceptual framework for the study was Kahn’s personal engagement theory. Data were collected using semistructured interviews, company documents, and archival information. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged: leader–employee relationship; effective internal communication and feedback; compensation, awards, benefits, and incentives; and professional training and development to improve employee engagement. The implications for positive social change include the potential to provide leaders with strategies to increase employee engagement, which may create employment opportunities for community members, which could lead to the stability and general well-being of the community. Leadership Strategies and Employee Engagement by Kevin O’Brien Grant MBA, University of Wales, 2010 BS, University of Phoenix, 2008 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2019 Dedication To the leaders around the world: I dedicate this study to the leaders around the world. I hope that this study can assist in understanding and implementing better leadership practices. Employees are the most important asset of an organization, and the relationship between leaders and employees can be the deciding factor on the success or failure of an organization. Acknowledgments The findings of this research study identify successful employee engagement strategies, which leaders can utilize to engage employees effectively. I want to first acknowledge my family for the support they gave to me during my DBA journey. To my mother and father, I thank you sincerely for your direction, wise counsel, and continuous commitment to ensuring that I succeed in all my pursuits. Thanks to my wife and children for staying by my side as I journeyed through this doctoral program. It has been a long, fulfilling journey. I wish to thank Dr. Janet Booker for her faith, support, patience, and encouragement. Dr. Janet, this one is truly for you. I could not have done it without you. Dr. Lentz, many thanks for assisting me, having faith in me, guiding me, and ensuring that I got to this point of my doctoral study. I also want to thank Walden University for accepting me into this doctoral program. I thank all who contributed to the completion of this study and who had faith in me to succeed.