The Perceptions and Lived Experiences of Leaders Practicing Mindfulness Meditation

145 Pages·2017·0.96 MB·English

Walden University
ScholarWorks
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Collection
2015
Te Perceptions and Lived Experiences of Leaders
Practicing Mindfulness Meditation: A
Phenomenological Investigation
Denise A. Frizzell
Walden University
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Denise Frizzell

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,
and that any and all revisions required by
the review committee have been made.

Review Committee
Dr. Stephanie Hoon, Committee Chairperson, Management Faculty
Dr. David Banner, Committee Member, Management Faculty
Dr. James Bowman, University Reviewer, Management Faculty

Chief Academic Officer
Eric Riedel, Ph.D.

Walden University
2015
Abstract
The Perceptions and Lived Experiences of Leaders Practicing Mindfulness Meditation:
A Phenomenological Investigation
by
Denise Frizzell
MPA, California State University, East Bay (Formerly Hayward), 1997
BS, California State University, Sacramento, 1993
Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Management
Walden University
November 2015
Abstract
Despite the gap between the demands of the global work environment and the maturity of
its leaders, minimal research exists on the trend of the practice of mindfulness meditation
and the developmental experiences of leaders, thereby resulting in a growing divide
between theory and practice. Consequently, leadership scholars have little understanding
of how an increasing number of leaders experience mindfulness meditation. The purpose
of this phenomenological study was to understand the perceived impact mindfulness
meditation had on leader development for 20 manager-leaders who had a regular (at least
3 days a week) mindfulness-meditation practice. The primary recruitment strategy
included outreach to potential participants affiliated with professionally oriented
mindfulness groups on the social networking site, LinkedIn (geographic location was not
relevant in this study). The primary conceptual framework was Day’s conceptualization
of leader development. The central research question addressed leaders’ perceptions and
experiences of the impact of mindfulness meditation on their development as leaders. A
modified Stevick–Colaizzi–Keen data analysis procedure was used in this study. Key
results included the identification of 10 core themes and the associated conclusion that
leaders who want to contribute solutions to global challenges will have to access more of
their potential, which may require consideration of techniques that foster vertical
learning. The primary recommendation includes the serious consideration of mindfulness
meditation by leaders and organizational decision makers of development investments.
This study has implications for positive social change in that a better understanding of
how leaders experience mindfulness meditation may provide direction for leaders and
organizations about developmental practices that support leadership effectiveness.
The Perceptions and Lived Experiences of Leaders Practicing Mindfulness Meditation:
A Phenomenological Investigation
by
Denise Frizzell
MPA, California State University, East Bay (formerly, Hayward)
BS, California State University, Sacramento
Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Management
Walden University
November 2015
Dedication
May whatever benefit that results from this endeavor support leaders in their most
important journeys of all–their inner journeys to wholeness.
Acknowledgements
I owe my deepest gratitude to Beverly, my spouse, life partner, and best friend for
her unwavering support, encouragement, and confidence in my ability to complete this
doctorate journey. I also extend heart-felt appreciation to all the research participants who
generously contributed to this study and my dissertation committee members whose
guidance made this dissertation possible.
Table of Contents
List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v
List of Figures .................................................................................................................... vi
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1
Background of the Study ...............................................................................................2
Problem Statement .........................................................................................................4
Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................6
Research Questions ........................................................................................................6
Conceptual Framework ..................................................................................................7
Nature of the Study ......................................................................................................11
Definitions....................................................................................................................12
Assumptions .................................................................................................................12
Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................13
Limitations ...................................................................................................................13
Significance of the Study .............................................................................................14
Significance to Practice..........................................................................................14
Significance to Theory ...........................................................................................15
Significance to Social Change ...............................................................................15
Summary and Transition ..............................................................................................16
Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................17
Literature Search Strategy............................................................................................17
Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................17
Literature Review.........................................................................................................21
i
The Leader’s Journey .............................................................................................21
Leader-Development Interventions .......................................................................29
Organizational Best Practices for Leader Development ........................................34
Emerging Trends ....................................................................................................37
Mindfulness Meditation .........................................................................................46
Mindfulness, Employees, and the Work Environment ..........................................49
Mindfulness Meditation and Leader Development................................................51
Summary and Conclusions ..........................................................................................53
Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................55
Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................55
Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................57
Methodology ................................................................................................................58
Participant-Selection Logic ....................................................................................58
Instrumentation ......................................................................................................60
Procedures for Recruitment, Participation, and Data Collection ...........................60
Data-Analysis Plan.................................................................................................61
Issues of Trustworthiness .............................................................................................62
Credibility ..............................................................................................................62
Transferability ........................................................................................................62
Dependability .........................................................................................................62
Confirmability ........................................................................................................62
Ethical Procedures .................................................................................................63
Summary ......................................................................................................................64
ii
Chapter 4: Results ..............................................................................................................66
Research Setting...........................................................................................................66
Demographics ..............................................................................................................66
Data Collection ............................................................................................................69
Data Analysis ...............................................................................................................69
Evidence of Trustworthiness........................................................................................72
Credibility ..............................................................................................................72
Transferability ........................................................................................................72
Dependability .........................................................................................................72
Confirmability ........................................................................................................72
Study Results ...............................................................................................................73
Theme 1: More Integrated and Balanced Leadership ............................................74
Theme 2: Greater Self-Regulation .........................................................................76
Theme 3: Commitment to the Practice ..................................................................77
Theme 4: Enhanced Self-Awareness .....................................................................79
Theme 5: Improved Work Relationships ...............................................................80
Theme 6: Greater Inner Calm and Peace ...............................................................82
Theme 7: Greater Self/Other Empathy and Compassion .......................................84
Theme 8: Deeper Listening and Being Present......................................................86
Theme 9: Personal/Professional Crisis ..................................................................87
Theme 10: More Tolerance for Ambiguity ............................................................89
Summary ......................................................................................................................91
Chapter 5: Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations ............................................92
iii