Researching Leadership: The PhD

A Ph.D. program in Leadership Studies allows students to conduct research and apply their knowledge to real life situations and contexts. These programs give you an opportunity to apply creative new ideas to various aspects of leadership as it relates to your field and the global environment. 

So, for example, there are some who conduct experimental research on leadership, others who study leadership in relation to sociological or psychological constructs (e.g. gender and leadership, leadership characteristics, the role of beliefs and social norms in leadership, etc.), and yet others who chose to examine leadership in relation to specific areas or in conjunction with other academic disciplines (e.g. educational leadership, public leadership, global and international leadership, organizational leadership, healthcare leadership, etc.). So, your studies can incorporate knowledge and research from many disciplines, including:  psychology, anthropology, political science, economics, sociology, medical services, theology,  philosophy, and business management. Thus, viewed from this perspective, the field of Leadership Studies truly is a multi-disciplinary academic field.

As such, with a doctoral degree concentrating or specializing in leadership you'll be prepared to lead, consult, and/or teach in the field of Leadership (or other related areas) from an informed, strategic viewpoint, creating practical solutions to real-world challenges.

In the consulting world, there are many firms specializing in management and/or strategic leadership (e.g. The Leadership Research Institute (a leadership consulting firm managed and co-founded in 1980 by an alum of USD's Leadership Doctoral Program), The Blanchard Companies, etc.).

In addition, there are research centers focused on leadership (e.g. The Center for Creative Leadership, The Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University, etc.).

And, a great deal of universities that have begun focusing on Leadership Studies (e.g. The Jepson School of Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond, The Burns Academy of Leadership at the University of Maryland, etc.).

The National Clearinghouse for Leadership Programs hosted at the University of Maryland has links to a variety of leadership resources in academia.

Just do a simple Amazon.com search for books on “Leadership” and you will find that both scholars and practitioners have been quite busy in this field. Also, if you go to the International Leadership Association (ILA) website and search under Leadership Jobs... you can get a feel for the kind of employment options there are in this field. But, don’t let that limit you! With a Leadership Studies PhD your opportunities are not simply limited to one area. You will more than likely focus in a particular area of Leadership and will have far more opportunities than what is listed on that site!

All of this said, a PhD in Leadership is a very versatile degree. You develop practical skills (in areas such as group relations, organizational management, program evaluation, etc.) as well as theoretical and philosophical knowledge (in areas such as ethical leadership, organizational theory and change, leadership theory and development, etc.). All of this in addition to developing your research abilities (either quantitative, qualitative, or both). What is more, after obtaining the PhD, some scholars even choose to apply for postdoctoral positions at research institutes and universities (e.g. The Kravis Leadership Institute at Claremont McKenna College, The Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations at Harvard University, Nonprofit Sector Research Fund, Social Science Research Council, etc.). Oftentimes these positions are in related but separate disciplines depending upon the individuals interests and research experience (e.g. cultural anthropology, social psychology, sociology, gender studies, contemporary studies, history, the humanities, and other social science fields).

Researching Leadership: The PhD