Graduate Studies in Leadership (MA & PhD)

Grey literature refers to research and information produced outside of traditional commercial or academic publishing, often not peer-reviewed. It includes materials like white papers, working papers, government reports, theses, and policy briefs, which can provide valuable and timely insights.

Key Types:

• White Papers: Authoritative reports that explain issues and propose solutions; often used in government or industry.
  Example: A tech company's white paper on AI ethics.

• Working Papers: Early-stage research shared for feedback before formal publication.
  Example: A university’s working paper on housing affordability trends.

Other Examples:

• Government reports

• Technical documents

• Conference proceedings

• Dissertations (unpublished)

• Policy briefs

• Standards and guidelines

Definition of Primary Sources (Leadership Focus):

Primary sources on leadership are firsthand accounts, original documents, or direct evidence created by or about leaders, or by those who experienced leadership in action. These sources offer unfiltered insight into leadership styles, decisions, communication, and impact, often produced at the time events occurred.

Examples of Primary Sources Related to Leadership:

• Speeches and Addresses:

  • A president’s inaugural address

  • A CEO’s keynote speech at a company meeting

  • Military leaders’ battlefield speeches

• Personal Writings:

  • Diaries or journals of political leaders

  • Autobiographies or memoirs (e.g., The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela)

  • Letters between leaders and their advisors

• Leadership Decisions and Documents:

  • Executive orders or policy memos

  • Corporate strategic plans written by top executives

  • Meeting minutes from leadership councils or boardrooms

• Interviews and Oral Histories:

  • Interviews with community organizers or activists

  • Oral histories from followers about a leader’s influence

  • Recorded conversations with military or political leaders

• Original Research by Leaders:

  • A leader’s published studies or white papers

  • Field reports authored by leadership in non-profit or humanitarian work

• Visual and Multimedia Sources:

  • Video footage of leaders during crises or public events

  • Photographs documenting leadership in action

  • Leadership training sessions recorded live

• Artifacts and Memorabilia:

  • Personal items of influential leaders (e.g., uniforms, notes, awards)

  • Campaign materials (posters, slogans, buttons)

  • Leadership manuals or training guides authored by leaders