Date of Award

Spring 3-21-2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Patricia C. White

Second Advisor

Jalin B. Johnson

Third Advisor

Myrna Cote

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand and describe how exemplary Black women business leaders (BWBL) influence employees through personal motivation, personal ability, social motivation, social ability, structural motivation, and structural ability.

Methodology: This phenomenological study research design identified and explored how 10 exemplary BWBL who have achieved extraordinary results influence employees through personal motivation, social motivation, structural motivation, personal ability, social ability, and structural ability. Participants were selected from exemplary BWBL in Southern California and Northern California who fulfilled the study’s requirements. Interviews, observations, and artifacts were used to gather data. To identify study findings, data were coded and triangulated.

Findings: Exemplary BWBL use the following influence strategies to produce extraordinary results: creating a positive and appreciative work environment; celebrating and recognizing meaningful work; creating a learning culture and providing learning opportunities; listening, asking engaging questions, and providing balanced feedback; building a culture of belonging by valuing and caring for employees; developing a climate of mutual respect; providing support; giving specific verbal recognition; and creating an environment that encourages open collaboration.

Conclusions: This study concluded that BWBL who wish to influence their employees to achieve extraordinary results must create a positive and appreciative work environment while celebrating and recognizing the meaningful work of their employees. They must create a learning culture and provide learning opportunities and listen, ask engaging questions, and provide balanced feedback to their employees. BWBL who build a culture of belonging with their teams by valuing and caring for them create a climate of mutual respect and meet employees’ needs by providing them with the support needed to be successful and giving them specific verbal recognition while creating an environment that encourages open collaboration to achieve extraordinary results.

Recommendations: Further research is recommended using a mixed-methods approach to study influence strategies that leaders use to achieve extraordinary results. Also recommended for further research is on similarities and differences of influence strategies based on gender or where in the United States the leaders reside.

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