Browsing by Author "Bailey, Caitlin Elizabeth"
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Item Generational and experiential differences of leaders in the intellectual and developmental disabilities services sector(University of Delaware, 2020) Bailey, Caitlin ElizabethTo date, there are few empirical studies of leadership specific to the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) service sector. In particular, little is known about how IDD service sector leaders approach and behave in their leadership roles. The dearth of leadership focus leaves a significant gap in knowledge about the skills and practices of IDD service sector leaders. The current study serves two purposes intended to bridge this knowledge gap. First, this project enhances the focus on leadership behaviors in literature grounded in services for people with IDD and their families. Second, the study explores the effect of generational membership and the amount of professional field experience on the behaviors of IDD service sector leaders. Generational differences in IDD service sector leaders is a nonexistent topic in current literature. However, as policies and services for people with IDD and their families continue to evolve, over time leaders have had to adopt fundamentally different skills and behaviors to ensure responsive supports. Information about generational and experiential differences of IDD service sector leaders will inform researchers, trainers, and practitioners about the leadership skills necessary to effectively support people with IDD and their families. Results from two one way MANOVAs and follow up discriminant function analyses indicated a significant effect for generation on personal leadership behaviors. However, due to a small effect size and unstable classification rates, these results should be considered with caution. No significant differences were found for leaders’ experience in the IDD service sector. The implications of these findings were discussed as they relate to the changing IDD service sector, the direct support workforce shortage and the lack of leadership investment across the IDD services sector.