Civil society leadership in the Commonwealth of Dominica: A qualitative case study of leadership characteristics in a changing social context

This qualitative case study represents the first attempt to study leadership from the perspectives of leaders of not-for-profit organizations in Dominica. The study has particular significance since most leaders have been maligned for the perceived lack of leadership in the country.; The study explored the perceptions of twelve leaders of not-for-profit organizations and three influential non-positional (or freelance) leaders regarding their roles in and experiences with leadership during a period of economic and social instability. Their narratives are descriptions of their perceptions of and responses to the question "How do leaders experience leadership during times of economic and social instability?" Open-ended, semi-structured, in-depth interviews with the 15 participants were the primary data collection procedure employed. Data analysis was conducted using categorical and contextual methods, thereby allowing key concepts, patterns, and themes to emerge.; There were several major findings. First, the participants' philosophies of leadership were found to be congruent with classic leadership behaviors described in the literature and viewed their activities as "work" and not necessarily a title or position they occupied in the organization. Further, they were dissatisfied with the status quo and sought concrete and specific solutions to the problems they identified. Participants are described as patriotic and were not preoccupied with individual comfort or personal gains. Participants engaged in extensive self-analysis in order to define both strengths and weaknesses and acknowledged others' perceptions are crucial but emphasized that such perceptions are secondary to their self-perception.; The results of this study add to the limited research regarding leaders in Dominica and their role in leadership during times of economic and social instability. The study holds both theoretical and pragmatic significance providing important implications for scholars worldwide and practitioners in Dominica and may be useful in expanding their understanding of leadership.