Committee Chair

Rausch, David W.

Committee Member

Crawford, Elizabeth K.; Harbison, John W.; Pipes, Ashleigh

Department

Dept. of Applied Leadership and Learning

College

College of Health, Education, and Professional Studies

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

This research analyzed leadership dynamics within Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a 12-step recovery group that operates without traditional organizational structures. Although AA's Ninth Tradition emphasizes minimal formal organization, it allows the formation of service boards and committees. This contradiction raises questions about how AA functions effectively without a clearly defined leadership model. Using a qualitative approach, this study aimed to identify the type of leadership present within AA and explore its impact on maintaining sobriety. Additionally, the study examined AA members' perceptions of leadership and how leadership is reflected in the organization's practices. Applying the six-phase reflexive thematic analysis by (2006), this study identified themes such as Sponsorship as Leadership, Sobriety Length as Leadership, Community as Leadership, and Service as Leadership. The findings offer valuable insights into decentralized leadership in recovery organizations and its potential to support sustained sobriety and personal growth.

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, a huge thank you to Riki Lynne, who shares my love of research. More than just a coworker, you have become a true friend for life, and your constant support and laughter have made all the difference. I’m also deeply grateful to Dustin, whose help with the never-ending formatting challenges was a lifesaver. Always just a few steps away from the right answer, you kept me moving forward when spacing was frustrating! I owe a great debt of gratitude to Dr. Rausch and Dr. Crawford, whose guidance and wisdom I hold in the highest regard. Their insights have been invaluable throughout this process. A special thank you goes to Dr. Pipes for her expertise in methodology and numbers—her knowledge truly strengthened this work. Lastly, I want to acknowledge Dr. Harbison, whose thoughtful advice and calming presence provided much-needed reassurance and made this experience far less daunting. Thank you all for your kindness, support, and encouragement throughout the past 10 years.

Degree

Ed. D.; A dissertation submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Education.

Date

8-2026

Subject

Group psychotherapy--Methods; Leadership--Psychological aspects; Substance abuse--Relapse--Prevention; Self-help groups--Treatment

Keyword

Leadership; Alcoholics Anonymous; Leadership Approach

Document Type

Doctoral dissertations

DCMI Type

Text

Extent

x, 103 leaves

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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