Ann Arbor : Alliant International University, 2016.
Pages:
91
Language:
English
Abstract:
This applied project was initiated to respond to a need that prevailed in the Hmong community since the death of General Vang Pao in 2011. As the time of the study, the identified problem was a lack of leadership style that was helping to bring the Hmong people together. The Hmong identity, values, culture, and traditions were at risk if the Hmong community began to fragment and move in separate directions as a result of ineffective leadership. The study was designed to answer: What is the predominant leadership style that is emerging after the death of General Vang Pao in the Hmong community. Utilizing a qualitative research method, narrative inquiry, face to face interviews were conducted with 14 leaders randomly selected from 28 leaders who represented 18 clans in the Central Valley of California. A formal question was asked and prompting questions used to help in clarifying and expanding responses. The criteria for inclusion included major decision maker for the clan, 35 to 60 years of age, and a leader for at least 10 years. Twelve male leaders and 2 female leaders were interviewed. The perceptions, ideas and experiences of the Hmong leaders were transcribed, and through synthesis of the data into common themes, the current state of leadership was examined. Style was based on leadership theory identified to represent the styles used by General Vang Pao: collaborative, authentic, and servant leadership. Four categories emerged from data: rise to leadership, the impact of leading, leadership style, and the values perceived as important in leading. Education, honesty, and serving as protectors of the clan were highly valued. The emerging trend in style was authentic and collaborative leadership, indicating teamwork, a group effort and knowing one;s self. Only a few leaders described their behavior or style as servant leadership. These findings and recommendation will assist in the engagement of Hmong leaders around the nuances and importance of leadership style. This knowledge can enable greater awareness of how Hmong leaders might meet the need to maintain the togetherness that was achieved while General Vang Pao lived and led the Hmong community.