Date of Award

Spring 3-24-2016

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Jeffrey Lee, Chair, Ed.D.

Second Advisor

Keith Larick, Ed.D.

Third Advisor

Patricia Clark-White, Ed.D.

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to discover and describe how exemplary Washington State mayors establish common ground and produce breakthrough results by utilizing the six domains of conflict transformation behaviors: collaboration, communication, emotional intelligence, ethics, processes, and problem solving. This study was conducted in collaboration with peer researchers studying other exemplary leaders representing a variety of industries. For this study, three methods of data collection (interviews, observations, and artifacts) were used to study the lived experiences of exemplary Washington State mayors and to present shared practices and patterns that demonstrate finding common ground and producing breakthrough results. The findings and literature support the use of these six behaviors to find common ground and transform conflict. Based on the findings of this study, several conclusions are presented regarding how exemplary municipal mayors in Washington State establish common ground and produce breakthrough results by utilizing the six domains of conflict transformation behaviors of collaboration, communication, emotional intelligence, ethics, problem solving, and process. Based on the research study and findings, it is recommended that further research be conducted in the development of common ground and conflict transformation by replicating this study for other municipal leaders such as city council members. A study should also be conducted to compare this study of exemplary Washington State mayors with other exemplary mayors from other states.

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