Date of Award
2024
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (College of Education)
Schools and Centres
Education
First Supervisor
Professor Sean Kearney
Second Supervisor
Dr Thuan Thai
Third Supervisor
Dr Julie Maakrun
Fourth Supervisor
Dr Anne-Marie Irwin
Abstract
This thesis investigates the impact of domestic and international service-learning on servant leadership development. Utilising mixed methods, the case study extends the current literature, which has relied largely on quantitative or qualitative data. The research comprises three Sydney Jesuit institutions and seven service-learning experiences of differing lengths and locations. The quantitative phase surveyed 60 participants using the Servant Leadership Behaviour Scale (Sendjaya et al., 2008) to capture statistically significant growth in servant leader attributes, including: voluntary subordination, covenantal relationships, authentic self, responsible morality, transforming influence and transcendental spirituality. The second phase involved 62 individual interviews with leaders and volunteers to capture more extensive and nuanced reflections on the experience. Analysis of the numerical data indicated statistically significant growth across the case, confirming the impact of service-learning on servant leadership development. Thematic analysis of the transcripts resulted in a series of emerging themes revealing key mediators of servant leadership growth. These included (i) exposure to immersive and engaging service (ii) duration/intensity of experience (iii) provision of servant leader role models (iv) opportunities for self-reflection (v) intentional fostering of moral growth and (vi) promotion of authentic relationships. These mediators supported the development of servant leader attributes fostered through the implementation of well-designed and intentional programmes. Lastly, this case study proposed a set of strategies that have farreaching implications for service-learning organisers and practitioners. This research provides significant support for Ignatian and other faith-based institutions seeking to become more intentional in their building of servant leadership capacity through their service-learning programmes.
Publication Details
Sindone, A. (2024). The Impact of Service-Learning on the Development of Servant Leadership in an Ignatian Context [Doctor of Philosophy (College of Education)]. The University of Notre Dame Australia. https://researchonline.nd.edu.au/theses/456
