Embarking on a PhD journey is akin to navigating uncharted waters, filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. My academic journey started later in life and commenced at Eastern University, a small Christian institution nestled in Pennsylvania, where I initially delved into the realm of organisational leadership. However, fate had a different path in store for me.
In the United States, pursuing a PhD requires traversing a structured program comprising coursework, comprehensive exams, and, finally, the thesis. After completing the coursework and the comprehensive exams and subsequently advancing to candidacy, I found myself at a crossroads. Based on the nature of my thesis topic, my dissertation chair, drawing from his own academic lineage, suggested an alternate path. He recommended transitioning to the tutelage of Professor Esther Reed, renowned for her expertise in Christian ethics, at the University of Exeter in the UK. Thus, commencing in January 2019, my journey led me across the pond to Exeter, where I have continued my PhD on a part-time distance learning basis under the guidance of Professor Reed and Dr. Mewse.
The research I embarked upon was shaped by my collaboration with my dissertation chair, rooted in our shared exploration of moral philosophy and its implications for organisational leadership. At the heart of my research lies an investigation into moral worldviews within the context of business leadership and building upon a framework established by Scottish-American philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre in his 1990 seminal work “Three Rival Versions of Moral Inquiry,” where he explores three different moral worldviews and how they interact and interrelate. Based on an extensive literature review, I have added a fourth moral worldview. My subsequent thesis explores the nature of these four moral worldviews and develops a tool for business leader practitioners to assess their own moral worldviews and become better equipped to navigate the complexities of moral diversity within the workplace. Additionally, using reflexive thematic analysis of the survey participants free text comments, I aim to elucidate the intricate relationship between moral self-awareness and effective leadership.
The significance of my research has become more evident against the backdrop of contemporary society, marked by profound ideological divisions. As polarising moral perspectives permeate the workplace, organisations grapple with the repercussions of conflicting worldviews. From Google’s internal strife over several moral issues to broader societal debates, the need for ethical clarity in leadership has never been more pressing.
However, my journey towards academic fruition has not been without its challenges. The inherent complexities of interdisciplinary research, compounded by the logistical constraints of distance learning, have posed formidable obstacles along the way. Yet, through perseverance and collaboration, I have gradually navigated through the academic labyrinth, refining my research methodology and honing my analytical insights.
As I approach the culmination of my doctoral journey, with the completion of chapter seven and the impending submission for evaluation, reflections abound. My transition from industry to academia, coupled with the transatlantic collaboration with my esteemed supervisors, has imbued this journey with profound personal and intellectual growth. Looking ahead, the prospect of the Viva-voce examination looms large, offering both a moment of validation and a challenge to defend the rigour of my research. Yet, amidst the uncertainties that lie ahead, one truth remains steadfast – the journey towards knowledge is a perpetual odyssey, marked by the relentless pursuit of understanding and the boundless quest for truth. In conclusion, my PhD journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of scholarly inquiry, transcending geographical boundaries and disciplinary confines. Rooted in the fertile soil of Ohio, nurtured by the intellectual currents of academia at the University of Exeter, my research endeavours aspire to illuminate the path towards robust moral-self-awareness and decision making by organizational leaders in an ever-evolving world.
The blog post was developed by Jo Sutherst following an interview with Jim Barge.
Jim Barge is working remotely and part-time from the United States on his PhD in Moral Philosophy and Organizational Behavior at Exeter under the supervision of Professor Esther Reed and Dr Avril Mewse. Not just a student, he is also currently an Adjunct Professor in the Ethics & Organizational Behavior Program at Palm Beach Atlantic University where he teaches courses on change, strategy, and ethics. Prior to Academia, Jim spent 30+ years in professional careers with both the US Navy and GE Aerospace.