Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Jonathan Greenberg

Second Advisor

Joseph Jaconette

Third Advisor

Philip Pendley

Abstract

This study used the full range leadership model (FRLM) and lead-member exchange theory to examine leadership’s impact on federal employee morale, trust, engagement, and performance. A descriptive qualitative study design involved semistructured interviews with 16 nonsupervisory transportation security officers (TSO) at nine Northern and Southern California airports. Participants had a minimum of 2 years federal employment and 1 year union representative experience. Audio recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using NVivo software. Organizational documents were also used to triangulate interview data. Results revealed an inspirational, caring, and collegial leadership style was most effective in enhancing morale and productivity. Desired elements included meaningful recognition, fairness, kindness, constructive feedback, honest communication, acknowledging employee viewpoint, proper autonomy, and accessible leadership. Authoritarian, fear-based, apathetic, and highly transactional leadership eroded trust, safety, engagement, and motivation. Consistent with Powe’s (2020) study, transformational leadership was perceived highly effective in a federal environment. This study recommends TSA leadership develop components focused on transformational, participative, ethical, coaching, and accountable leadership styles.

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