| Decisions on how resources in Wyoming's Department of Family Services (WYDFS) are allocated for programs and services in Wyoming is partially dictated by federal mandates and partially falls on the shoulders of the leadership of WYDFS. This study design emerged from a literature review on theoretical frameworks of leadership, leadership studies, leadership and emotional intelligence, leadership and collaboration, barriers and challenges in leadership, government leadership and child welfare, and leadership and child welfare. Many researchers agree that leadership styles and beliefs influence the operations of large systems such as child welfare systems. This exploratory, qualitative study utilized face–to–face interviews with two Directors of WYDFS and three additional interviews with key informants at WYDFS. Content analysis of the interviews revealed the importance of professional and personal backgrounds, the interaction of the political landscape and the mission of the organization, and vital relationships that bring energy and engagement to the leadership process. |
