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Dissertation Abstract

Exploring the Relationship Between Religious Beliefs and Implicit Leadership Theory: A Study of the Leadership Preferences of Japanese Employees

Paul J. Holritz
March 2009

This exploratory study seeks to add to the body of implicit leadership theory by examining the relationship between religion and the implicit leadership theories of the Japanese people. The literature review includes an explanation of the theoretical foundations of implicit leadership theory including psychodynamic, cognitive, categorization, and attribution theories as well as an overview of implicit leadership theory. An explanation of the relationship of culture and religion to implicit leadership theory is followed by an overview of three religious beliefs practiced by the Japanese people. Using the GLOBE leadership survey, along with a demographic survey and the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Inventory, data from over 300 individuals are analyzed to determine if religion has a significant effect upon the leadership preferences of the Japanese people.