The Influence of Transformational Leadership on Intervention for Orphan Children in The Church – Kenya
Date
2021-07-06
Authors
Mackenzie, Rosslyn
Journal Title
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Publisher
PAC University
Abstract
The growing numbers of orphans overwhelm available resources while the safety net that orphans would find in extended family networks crumble due to urbanization and nuclearization of the family (Kiambi & Mugambi, 2017; Njoroge, 2019). Orphanages have been started in response to this problem, yet the crisis continues to persist (Chege & Ucembe, 2020). There is need for increased support and involvement of the families and members of the community for adequate intervention for orphans. To this end, the leadership role of the church cannot be overemphasized as local churches always have the trust of the community and can be instrumental in mobilizing and leading local responses since they are always the first responders to the plight of orphans in society (Association for Alternative Family Care of Children, 2014). This study aimed to investigate the influence of transformational leadership on intervention for orphans in the church in Kenya based on the four dimensions of transformational leadership namely; idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration, using Christ Is the Answer Ministries as a case study. Qualitative research design was used with phenomenological approach to the collection and analysis of data. The population of the study was 98 leaders and stakeholders comprising of children pastors, youth pastors, family care and enrichment pastors, Sunday school superintendents, guardians of orphans, orphan children, school administrators, children centre, heads of mission, and head of administrators, donors, and community leaders. A purposive sample of 35 research participants was used. Data was collected using a questionnaire and a structured interview guide. The data gathered was then transcribed and analysed using the thematic technique. The study established that idealized influence manifested through leadership by example, whereby the leaders acknowledged their role as pacesetters and recognized the unique place and obligation of the church in leading interventions for orphan children in society. In terms of inspirational motivation, research participants deployed mentorship programs as part of personal initiatives they undertook towards an intervention for orphan children. Concerning intellectual stimulation, research data provided evidence of follower development and personal coaching across the respondent groups directly targeted at orphan children. This was characterized by practices such as confidence building, encouragement, and establishing a collegial relationship with the orphans. With respect to individualized consideration, the leaders-initiated fundraising, donations, and other forms of support from people of goodwill to cater for the basic needs of orphan children such as food, shelter, clothing, and education. The most outstanding feature of transformational leadership was a personal initiative. In this respect, the impact of orphan children was the product of mentorship, social action, advocacy, innovation,
and creativity of the leader. The most salient factor in the equation of intervention to orphan children in Kenya was government policy and the ever-expanding orphan population in the country. In conclusion, the influence relationship between the two variables is affected by environmental factors, the chief of which are church policy and government policy. The study concluded that transformational leadership positively influenced intervention for orphans. From a church policy perspective, there is a need to match the overwhelming recognition of ministry to orphan children as missioncritical with policy decisions that guide the church’s response plan. This study has affirmed transformational leadership theory as a viable theory for explaining intervention for orphan children by the church.
Description
Masters Degree Thesis
Keywords
Transformational Leadership, Orphan Children, Leadership Theories, Church Leadership, Church Interventions
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