How successful African-American male leaders in predominately White Organizations integrate spirituality with leadership practice

Abstract

Using Critical Race Theory, this article presents findings from a hermeneutic phenomenological study to explore the leadership experiences of five African-American men in senior-level positions in predominately White organizations (PWO) located in the U.S. This study will show that as a result of the intersectionality of race, gender, and religion, African-American male leaders encounter various challenges born out of White privilege expressed through racially insensitive micro-aggressions. A phenomenological interpretative analysis of participants’ semi-structured interviews concluded that African-American spirituality provided the self-determination and resiliency to transcend fluid racial narratives, ideologies, and discourse embedded in the culture of a PWO. Findings from this study broaden contemporary leadership theory taking into account the intersecting cultural dynamics and experiences of successful African-American male leaders who integrate spirituality into their leadership practice.