Research & Insights
At the Shelton Leadership Center, we're advancing the field of leadership through research.
Leadership is more than a practical skill – it’s an interdisciplinary field of study grounded in theory, practice, and empirical research. Our newly established research agenda reflects this belief, positioning our Center at the forefront of values-based leadership (VBL) scholarship and innovation.
Leadership decisions affect people, organizations, and communities every day, yet the journey to becoming an ethical, values-based leader isn’t always clear. That’s why our work is rooted in empirical research: collecting data, analyzing trends, and producing evidence to inform how leadership is developed, practiced, and sustained over time.
Research Agenda
Focus 1: Mapping the Field of Values-Based Leadership
Comprehensive reviews are valuable tools used to map the existing literature on a specific topic by identifying key concepts, gaps in research, and the types of evidence available. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of existing literature on VBL, we can make informed decisions about future research directions and leadership development practices. Many leadership scholars have laid the groundwork in the field, and their contributions will be crucial for identifying essential themes and critiques.
Key Themes To Be Explored
- Definition and scope of VBL
- Critiques of existing VBL frameworks
- Influence of VBL on organizational culture and effectiveness
Focus 2: Longitudinal Impact Research Studies
To understand the long-term impact and effectiveness of the Center’s curricular and co-curricular programs, longitudinal impact studies will be conducted. In particular, we will focus our efforts on two programs: 1) Shelton Challenge Program, and 2) Global Leadership Minor. The Shelton Challenge study will involve research and analysis of participant cohorts over the last 20 years. The goal of this project is to understand how the Shelton Challenge experience has influenced alumni participants’ leadership and values throughout their lives (personal, college, career, etc.).
Guiding Research Questions
The following research questions will guide the Shelton Challenge study:
- R1: What is the measurable impact of the Shelton Challenge Program over the last 20+ years?
- R2: How has the Shelton Challenge experience influenced or shaped alumni participants’ personal or professional milestones throughout their lives?
- R3: In what ways do alumni apply the principles of VBL learned in the Shelton Challenge Program in their leadership practices over time?
Additionally, the Global Leadership impact study will explore the learning and leadership development among student cohorts in the Global Leadership Minor from 2020-2024 using the following research questions:
- R1: How do participants perceive the long-term impacts of the Global Leadership Minor on their leadership development experiences in college and/or the workforce?
- R2: In what ways do participants apply the leadership strategies and theories learned in the Global Leadership Minor across cultures and disciplines?
Focus 3: Exploring the Journey to Becoming a Values-Based Leader
The journey to becoming a values-based leader is multifaceted. It is influenced by personal values and ethical principles, which shape how individuals lead and make decisions. This project will explore the journey individuals take to become effective values-based leaders, examining the interplay between personal values and broader ethical frameworks.
Guiding Research Questions
- What is the process to becoming a values-based leader?
- What factors influence this process?
- What knowledge and skills are essential to practice values-based leadership?
- How do personal values, organizational/professional ethics relate to being a values-based leader?
By answering these questions, we can better understand the internal and external factors that guide individuals on their leadership journey. Recognizing the importance of personal and organizational values can help aspiring values-based leaders align their practices with ethical standards.
Focus 4: Emergent Framework for Values-Based Leadership
Integrating our findings from our research projects, we aim to create a framework that describes the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to effectively practice values-based leadership. This project will guide leadership development programming and training efforts across the Center, ensuring that future leaders are equipped with the necessary tools to practice VBL.
Focus 5: Values-Based Leadership Across Generations
This project will investigate how values-based leadership looks different across generations. By understanding the shifting priorities and perspectives of younger and seasoned leaders, we can help organizations build stronger, more collaborative team cultures. As leaders shape their styles based on their life experiences and the societal norms of their time, it is important to understand how generations influence these perceptions.
Guiding Research Questions
- In what ways does VBL evolve across different generations?
- What specific values are prioritized by each generation in their approach to leadership?
- How can organizations effectively bridge the gap between different generational views on VBL to lead teams and organizations more effectively?
