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Brigette Collins, Ph.D. is a 2024 graduate of the PHD Program in Leadership and Change at Antioch University.

Brigette Collins at her Dissertation Defense.

From L-R: Dr. Harriet Schwartz, Committee Chair, Dr. L. Richard Love, Committee Member, Dr. Lize Booysen, Committee Member

Keywords

followership, relational leadership, municipal government, relational cultural theory, critical incident technique, constructivist research

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

The study aimed to reduce the literature gap and provide a helpful tool for understanding the follower-centered perspective of leadership in local government. Leaders are undoubtedly essential to organizational success; followers are essential, and follower perspectives of leadership are equally worthy of study (Blanchard et al., 2009). This study utilizes the critical incident technique (Flanagan, 1954) to delve into followers’ meaningful interactions and lived experiences in local government throughout the United States. Utilizing the critical incident technique (Flanagan, 1954), the study sought meaningful interactions and lived experiences of followers in local government throughout the United States. CIT lends itself to exploratory research that seeks context-rich, firsthand perspectives on human activities and their significance and, therefore, is a good fit for the study. Key findings in the study included working with vulnerable populations and work—life balance. In addition, Relational Cultural Theory (RCT) and High-Quality Connections (HQCs) were used to explore the relational elements of leader-staff relationships in local government. Finally, this study adds to the minimal literature available regarding staff in local government. The study provides a valuable tool for understanding the relational aspect of leaders and followers in local government. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (http://aura.antioch.edu/) and Ohio LINK ETD Center (http://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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Brigette Collins

ORCID: #0009-0005-1121-6493

Brigette was born and raised in Hampton Roads, Virginia, where she values the time spent with her family. With 23 years of experience in accounting and finance in both public and private sectors, she most recently held the position of senior accountant in local government. This role gave her valuable insights into the crucial dynamics between leaders and staff within the public sector.

Her academic journey culminated in an MBA in Accounting from Saint Leo University in 2015 and a master’s degree in leadership and change from Antioch University in 2021. This educational background underscores her commitment to fostering meaningful transformation in local government. Brigette sees herself not just as a finance professional but as a catalyst for change and excellence in service. Her dedication to this principle goes beyond traditional roles; a passion for effecting positive change drives her, and she eagerly anticipates collaborating with local government leaders to promote significant progress where it is needed.

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