Latter-day Saint Women and Leadership: The Influence of Their Religious Worldview

Abstract

The article examines theories, assumptions, concepts, experiences, and practices from the Latter-day Saints' (LDS, or the Mormons) religious worldview to expand existing theoretical constructs and implications of leadership development and education for women. The article elucidates LDS doctrine and culture regarding women and provides specific strategies and guidelines to assist people involved with leadership development for LDS women. The article contains four sections: (1) overview of the LDS religion, (2) doctrine and culture, (3) theoretical frameworks, and (4) implications for research and practice. Analysis provides a foundation for leadership scholars and practitioners, particularly those who work directly with LDS women, to facilitate the development and growth of LDS women as leaders.

Strengthening Sisters: How Latter‐day Saint Missionary Service Prepares Women for Leadership

“…Notably, the motivations cited by Madsen (2016) seem to be mainly relational in nature and are consistent with research from other Christian contexts on leadership motivators for women in religious settings (Longman et al, 2019). In contrast, men's primary motivations for mission service appear to include a sense of duty, rite of passage, and training for Church leadership positions, along with spiritual reasons (Lyon & McFarland, 2003; Rabada, 2014).…”

“…It is important to consider the reasons why the women did not make stronger and more explicit connections between leadership learning on their missions and current professional and civic roles. As Madsen (2016) suggested, the motivations for Latter‐day Saint women who embark on leadership activities often reflect a wish to serve or a desire to promote motherhood, draw closer to God, or feeling called to do so. The results from the current study support such assertions in suggesting that women may be more motivated to go on missions to serve others (a relational characteristic) than they are to gain leadership training for themselves.…”

“…There is little research on young women's motivations for serving a Church mission, but these reasons may differ from those of men and may include greater desires to enhance their faith and build relationships. Madsen (2016) cited four primary motivations of Latter‐day Saint women for embarking on leadership‐based activities: the desire to serve God, a desire to promote motherhood, a desire to serve the community, and a sense of personal revelation or “calling” to serve the Lord. Sister missionaries might not consciously consider their service a leadership activity, but these motivations could influence their decisions to serve.…”

Psychological Assessment Involving Spirituality With Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

“…Their beliefs and value system play a pervasive role in their day to day lives, as many religions do (Gladding & Crockett, 2019). As such, their spirituality is likely just as important as their support system, history, and overall health status (Loser, Klien, Hill, & Dollahite, 2008;Lyon, 2013;Madsen, 2016). Since spirituality is such a high priority for many members, it is essential that psychologists explore this area in depth and how it might contribute to their overall health and well-being.…”