Examining the Role of Transformational Leadership in Reducing Employee Burnout in Vitas Healthcare: The Impact of Leadership Behaviors on Morale and Job Satisfaction.

Author

• Sabrina L. Clarke, Southeastern University - LakelandFollow

Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Abstract

Degree Name

Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Emille Hawkins

Second Advisor

Dr. Katrina Hutchins

Abstract

The capstone project, Curing the Caregivers: Ending the Burnout Epidemic, examined how transformational leadership can address employee burnout among healthcare professionals. This seminar was an applied leadership project with four modules. The project aimed to educate healthcare employees about burnout and introduce transformational leadership strategies that could create healthier, more supportive work environments. This seminar took place at Vitas Healthcare in Lakeland, Florida. Pre-seminar and post-seminar questionnaires were used to evaluate participants' understanding of transformational leadership. The capstone project addressed five major themes: employee burnout, transformational leadership, employee morale, job satisfaction, leadership strategies for reducing burnout, and supportive workplace environment. The capstone project contributed to the field of leadership by showing how transformational leadership theory can translate into practical strategies for healthcare professionals.

The presentation explained how transformational leadership theory, expanded by Bass and Riggio, was applied through the four I's: Idealized Influence, Inspirational Motivation, Intellectual Stimulation, and Individualized Consideration. The capstone project also identified several real-world implications for healthcare organizations and demonstrated how leadership education could help healthcare professionals understand strategies for addressing workplace challenges. Although the seminar increased participants' reported understanding of transformational leadership, it did not directly measure reductions in employee burnout. The findings suggested that continued leadership education and follow-up evaluations were needed to determine the long-term effectiveness. Overall, participants left the seminar with a better understanding of transformational leadership and employee burnout.

Recommended Citation

Clarke, S. L. (2026). Examining the Role of Transformational Leadership in Reducing Employee Burnout in Vitas Healthcare: The Impact of Leadership Behaviors on Morale and Job Satisfaction.. [Doctoral capstone abstract, Southeastern University]. FireScholars. https://firescholars.seu.edu/dsl-abstracts/38