Abstracts Category : Other

The Relationship Between Authentic Leadership Traits and Positive Outcomes in Foster Parents

by Andrew F Jackson

The purpose of this quantitative correlational study was to determine if there is a relationship between the constructs of authentic leadership and scores on the WFS-DMC in a state in the Southeastern United States of America. It is not known if or to what extent there is a relationship between authentic leadership traits and scores on the Willingness to Foster Scale-Disabilities and Medical Conditions, which has been linked to positive outcomes in foster parents. Authentic leadership was the theoretical framework for this study. Authentic leadership has been shown to lead to improved morale, job performance, job satisfaction, and other positive attitudes. This quantitative study was guided by the following five research questions: Is there a relationship between one?s overall level of authentic leadership and scores on the WFS-DMC? Is there a relationship between self-awareness and scores on the WFS-DMC? Is there a relationship between internalized moral perspective and scores on the WFS-DMC? Is there a relationship between balanced processing and scores on the WFS-DMC? Is there a relationship between relational transparency and scores on the WFS-DMC? The study population consisted of 44 participants from the target population of foster parents who licensed at the time of study with a public or private agency in a Southeastern state in the United States of America. This study used a quantitative methodology with a correlational research design. Spearman?s rho was used to analyze the data. Results from the study showed no significant statistical findings but pointed out areas for further research and practice.