Spirituality as a Component of Transformational Leadership Among Selected North Carolina Community College Presidents

This study examined the relationship between spirituality and transformational leadership among North Carolina community college presidents. The qualitative study was set within an interpretive approach, as the researcher was the primary instrument for data gathering and evaluation. Eight North Carolina community college presidents were purposefully selected, observed, and interviewed with the intent of investigating the relationship their spirituality has to their leadership style, what activities have guided the development of their spirituality and leadership, and how they mentor followers. The data collected suggest that these study presidents rely heavily on their spirituality to support and guide the leadership process. Evident from the observations and interviews was the strong influence of mentoring in the leadership development of the presidents and a concerted effort on their part to employ transformational leadership traits in mentoring followers. Additionally, linkages could be found between the study participants’ leadership traits and the AACC suggested competencies for community college presidents. These items were analyzed in the context of transformational leadership theory and practice; implications about the findings and suggestions for further research are also presented.