Abstract

This qualitative research study explores the transition from member to leader made by three volunteers of the same religious nongovernmental organization (RNGO), which is characterized by a community-based, grassroots structure, but is also part of a global organization. Three different volunteers, from diverse backgrounds within this group, underwent this leadership transition process within either the Montreal or Ottawa area. This study explored how each volunteer perceived and constructed meaning from his or her leadership experiences. Multiple case studies were used to uncover these perspectives. Over the course of the study, the question of how a new leader decides to commit to his or her new role emerged. A grounded theory was constructed from the cross-case analysis that revealed the phenomenon of a new leader's decision to take ownership of the RNGO's mission. While each participant was a member of the same religious nongovernmental organization, their individual experiences were studied from their own personal viewpoints within a naturalistic context. Through studying the individual experiences of new volunteer leaders, insight was gained on how religious organizations can enhance their leadership selection and development to increase the likelihood of leader commitment beyond the period of transition.