Date of Award

5-2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Departmental Honors

Department

Economics and Finance

Abstract

Why do some leaders respond to adversity by becoming more empathetic, impactful, and resilient — while others do not? Since the Covid-19 pandemic, suffering has gained personal relevance to each one of us. Although many researchers have explored why some individuals – when faced with trauma – grow as a result, little work has been done to understand this process specifically within the context of leaders and leader development. As such, the primary purpose of this paper is to explore what allows some leaders to respond to adversity/trauma with leadership development. Based on the mediators of productive framing, cognitive engagement, positive affective appraisal of the challenge, and the acceptance of difficult emotions, we would like to suggest mindfulness meditation as a viable possibility for leaders to proactively influence their ability to grow during and after traumatic and adverse circumstances.

Share

COinS
 

Faculty Mentor

Bret Crane

Departmental Honors Advisor

Alexander Romney