Date of Award

6-30-2009

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL)

Department

Leadership

Abstract

This case study seeks to help leaders improve their organizations by better understanding the value of defining and communicating the higher purpose of their organizations, the benefit that their organization's products and services provide to humanity. This study introduces and explores higher purpose leadership and investigates the effect that higher purpose in organizational mission has on employees. Interview participants include workers at the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation where a project has been underway for over sixty years to create the world's largest sculpture, as well as a cultural center, university and medical center. This study also introduces the phrase higher purpose organization and explores topics related to employee perception, sense of purpose and the effect of a visual icon that represents organizational vision. This study finds that a higher purpose in organizational mission profoundly effects the commitment of employees to an organization's mission.

Identifier

SC 11.MAL.2009.Bengston.WP

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