TDNet Discover

The purpose of this qualitative case study is to investigate leadership behaviors—defined as patterns of executive decision-making, moral conduct, and relational influence—of executive leaders and board members at the United Supreme Council-District of Columbia (USC-DC), a Prince Hall Affiliated (PHA) nonprofit fraternal organization. The study examines how these behaviors affect governance, financial oversight, stakeholder trust, and organizational integrity. The problem centers on leadership behaviors characterized by entitlement and ethical breaches that have contributed to systemic governance failures, financial opacity, and declining stakeholder trust within USC-DC. The study will be guided by four interconnected theoretical frameworks: ethical leadership, transformational leadership, strategic leadership, and emotional intelligence. A qualitative case study design will be employed to analyze organizational records and executive-level documentation. Data will be collected through archival document analysis, internal communications, financial records, and historical reports and will be triangulated to enhance credibility. The data will be analyzed using thematic coding and pattern analysis to identify systemic governance challenges and leadership-driven cultural dynamics. Anticipated findings may provide insight into leadership reform strategies and governance improvements for fraternal and nonprofit organizations seeking to strengthen ethical accountability and organizational sustainability.