Date of Award

January 2018

Degree Type

Open Access Dissertation

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

First Advisor

Sherwood Thompson

Department Affiliation

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Second Advisor

Samuel Hinton

Department Affiliation

Curriculum and Instruction

Third Advisor

Bill Phillips

Department Affiliation

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Abstract

This research attempted to illustrate the benefits of utilizing positive organizational development (IPOD) and mindfulness in leading a nonprofit toward overall long-term success. The major research that was used to enhance the leadership acumen and performance of nonprofit leaders came from previous for profit studies on the beneficial effects of mindfulness for corporate leaders. This study went further and focused on the benefits of mindfulness and inspired positive organizational development strategies for nonprofit leaders.

An exploratory, qualitative research perspective was used to further knowledge of the benefits of practicing IPOD and mindfulness for nonprofit leaders. Current research is focused on corporate and general populations. This study added to the current research by going beyond previous studies and benefiting a vital sector of within our society.

Five nonprofit leaders were picked using a random name generator from a list of 467 nonprofits in Kentucky. All five leaders who participated in the study were eager to learn more about how to utilize IPOD and mindfulness leadership strategies in their workplace and experience first-hand the positive benefits of practicing IPOD and mindfulness. A pre-survey, IPOD and mindfulness training and a post-survey were used to garner the effects of practicing the IPOD and mindfulness strategies. A comparison of the results of the surveys and viewpoints of the non-profit leaders was carried out. The results of all analyses revealed positive benefits from practicing mindfulness and inspired positive organizational development strategies as well as some interesting patterns.

It was concluded that IPOD and mindfulness practices would benefit all nonprofit leaders, help them perform better and feel more satisfied in their roles. The transformational, psychological, emotional and behavioral effects of mindfulness and inspired positive organizational development were impressive.

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