Abstract

This research project will focus on the assessment of the Five Plateaus (Plateaus) vertical leadership development model with a newly constructed Likert Scale instrument. Part one of the research project was a pilot study to create a simple, internet-based instrument. The scale, comprised of 100 questions and completed in 30 minutes, assesses participants' self- perceived stage of development as presented in the Plateaus vertical development model. The instrument was designed to capture the experience of participants and to overcome limitations of existing assessments by mitigating the subjectivity of sentence completion instruments, as well as to enhance efficiency and reliability. The pilot study was deployed to a population of 2,000 participants in the Unbeatable Mind leadership development program (IRB protocol ID 23-11-2300). The instrument was successfully completed by 114 respondents, yielding a statistically significant data set for the research analysis of the dissertation to be completed. This research methodology is quantitative and evaluates the construct and content validity of The Plateaus model, as well as the concurrent validity of the model instrument, when compared to other established scales. The quantitative analysis also assessed the efficacy of the Plateaus program by exploring the relationship between demographic variables, duration of practice, and adherence to the program, with respondents' self-assessed plateau level.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Leadership — Evaluation; Leadership—Study and teaching; Leadership—Psychological aspects

Date of Award

2025

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Education

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Martine Jago

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