A grounded theory study of the effectiveness of transformational leadership in training volunteer missionaries

This dissertation is a grounded theory study based on observation and conversational interview questions about leading volunteers. The specific problem was lack of studies about the effectiveness of transformational leadership with volunteers, a lack that is addressed through firsthand interviews with the volunteer missionaries at the Family History Library/FamilySearch in Salt Lake City, Utah. The use of the grounded theory design provided consistency, clarity, scope, and integration of the core phenomenon uncovered from the research. The qualitative research method was appropriate for this study and accomplished the goals of examining the perceived effectiveness of transformational leadership through the exchange of dialogue in training volunteer missionaries. The observations and the open-ended interview questions assisted in answering the research question. The research question was: How is transformational leadership perceived as effective in leading volunteers, encouraging their seeking additional training opportunities, the perceived influencing long-term change, and empowering volunteers in doing their work? The responses to the interview questions and the systematic observation of various learning and training programs at the Family History Library/FamilySearch in Salt Lake City showed how missionaries encouraged themselves through dialogue to attain specific goals through new skills and knowledge. As confidence and experience were gained, each volunteer sought to be a mentor and teach classes for the new and current missionaries. The influence of gaining more knowledge with longer service inspired the volunteer missionaries in humility and patience for empowering each other in doing their work of service among themselves and the patrons.