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Dissertation Abstract

Servant Leadership: A Theoretical Model

Kathleen Patterson
Regent University

This dissertation is a theory-building dissertation and presents Servant Leadership Theory as a logical extension of Transformational Leadership Theory, based on Kuhn's structure of scientific revolutions approach, which calls for new theoretical development when a theory no longer explains certain phenomena. Such phenomena not currently addressed include the leader having agapao love, being humble, acting altruistically, and being visionary for followers. A definition of servant leadership theory explains the constructs of (a) love, (b) humility, (c) altruism, (d) vision, (e) trust, (f) empowerment, and (g) service.  These constructs are explained as virtues and are illuminated within a servant leadership context. A model is provided that details the inter-workings of the constructs.