Administration as Ministry: A Hospice Case Study

This thesis research study investigated leadership at The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc., Canada’s first and largest community based hospice palliative care village. Using phenomenological methodology, a case study method, and mixed methods of data collection and analysis, this study sought to identify the leadership characteristics and management practices of spiritual leadership that created a unique workplace culture at the Hospice. The scope of the study was limited to full- and part-time permanent staff at the Hospice, and the research was conducted with an anonymous questionnaire, eight individual staff interviews, and a final interview with the executive director. Based on the results from these three instruments, the study determined that there was spiritual leadership at the Hospice, the workplace culture had elements of spirituality, and there were eight specific leadership characteristics and management practices of note: 1. Collaboration and Leadership Teams 2. Communication 3. Compassion and Empathy 4. Honesty and Integrity 5. Resourcefulness 6. Visionary and Strategic Leadership 7. Intuition 8. Humility, Patience and Providence This research study provides insight into the importance of spiritual leadership and workplace spirituality, even within secular organizations, particularly where staff members are confronted with death and dying. In addition, this study suggests that workplace spirituality can be carefully cultivated through the selection of staff members, consistent attention to workplace culture, directly connected to mission, vision, and values. For current and future leaders, this checklist of characteristics may be helpful if developed into a hiring matrix for future leadership at the Hospice, or may also be modified for use in other similar organizations.Doctor of Ministry (DMin