Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-1-2005
Abstract
This study explores the experience of disruptive, midlife transition among mid-career leaders. The genesis of life cycle theory, over the past fifty years provides an important foundation to the exploration of midlife transition. While theses theories offer an explanation of the types, expected timing and frequency of transitions in life, they do not address the core competencies that the mid-career leader leverages to achieve success through disruptive periods of transition. The central hypothesis of this research is that there are four independent variables or competencies within leaders that affect the outcome of their experience and management of disruptive life transitions. These independent variables are self-awareness, self-management, hope and resilience. A secondary hypothesis of this research is that the distinction among outcomes of disruptive life transition appears when major life transitions are viewed as turning points and opportunities for growth, thus stimulating intentional change toward positive goal pursuits. Not all life transitions are growth-producing and not all mid-career leaders are inclined to develop in this way. This research posits that there are four primary variables that distinguish leaders in their approach to major life transitions and three secondary variables that mediate the outcomes they experience. The secondary variables are the leader's social capital, financial capital and prior experience with life transition.
Keywords
business--research, leadership, transition, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, hope; resiliency
Rights
© The Author(s). Kelvin Smith Library provides access for non-commercial, personal, or research use only. All other use, including but not limited to commercial or scholarly reproductions, redistribution, publication or transmission, whether by electronic means or otherwise, without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Department/Center
Design & Innovation
Recommended Citation
Kamisnky, Kathryn V., "Growth, Adaptation and Success in Mid-Career Leaders Experiencing Disruptive Midelife Transitions: An Exploration of Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Hope and Resilience" (2005). Student Scholarship. 228.
https://commons.case.edu/studentworks/228