Developing a Diocesan Vitality Index to Explore Leadership Styles Employed by U.S. Catholic Bishops in Top-Performing Latin-Rite Dioceses from 2000-2020

Abstract

This dissertation presents the development of a diocesan vitality index and exploration of the leadership styles employed by Catholic bishops in top-performing Latin-rite dioceses in the United States from 2000-2020. In the literature review, I explore factors affecting the leadership of Catholic bishops: (a) Ecclesial foundations, (b) how to objectively measure what constitutes a “healthy” or top-performing diocese, and (c) leadership styles. I selected a mixed-methods approach with four steps: (a) Qualitative focus groups and interviews to understand key variables of diocesan health, (b) quantitative testing to hone a model and better understand correlations, (c) quantitative analysis of the MLQ-5x survey administered to 177 ordinaries, and (d) qualitative interviews with bishops who raised vitality scores in a sustained manner. Findings include: (a) No top scoring dioceses are larger than 44th in size rank, indicating smaller dioceses are healthier and easier to turn around, (b) there was a high prevalence of laissez-faire leadership among current ordinaries (N = 54), above the 70^th percentile, (c) the correlation between transformational leadership and changes in vitality score was positive as hypothesized, though not statistically significant, r = .18, p = .31, and (d) the correlation between laissez-faire leadership and changes in vitality score was negative as hypothesized, though not statistically significant, r = -.33, p = .06. This research resulted in a reliable way to compare dioceses and track performance. I propose four solutions, present avenues for future research, and discuss implications of this research for bishops and for those entrusted with leadership development of future pastors.