An exploration of leadership within the Church of Scientology

Abstract

This analysis builds on existing scholarly work that has analyzed the Church of Scientology through the lens of public relations and expanded on how these practices have lent themselves to perpetuating the Church's leadership style. Two research questions were used to explore the influential style of leadership used by the Church of Scientology: (1) what is the leadership style of the Church of Scientology, as perceived by former Church members? and (2) what is the leadership style of the Church of Scientology, as presented by the organization? Using a qualitative content analysis and top down approach toward interpreting multiple texts, eight themes emerged: hierarchy, delegation & decision making; values, ethics & beliefs; relationships; measurements of success; failure & punishment; reactive; proactive and other. Findings from this study suggest a disconnect in the way that former Church members perceive the leadership style of the church (transactionally), and the way that the organization presents it (transformationally). Future research should include the perspectives of existing Church members as part of the analysis to identify how current Church members view the organization's leadership style.