Abstract
This dissertation presents the development of a diocesan vitality index and exploration ofthe leadership styles employed by Catholic bishops in top-performing Latin-rite dioceses
in the United States from 2000-2020. In the literature review, I explore factors affecting
the leadership of Catholic bishops: (a) Ecclesial foundations, (b) how to objectively
measure what constitutes a “healthy” or top-performing diocese, and (c) leadership styles.
I selected a mixed-methods approach with four steps: (a) Qualitative focus groups and
interviews to understand key variables of diocesan health, (b) quantitative testing to hone
a model and better understand correlations, (c) quantitative analysis of the MLQ-5x
survey administered to 177 ordinaries, and (d) qualitative interviews with bishops who
raised vitality scores in a sustained manner. Findings include: (a) No top scoring dioceses
are larger than 44th in size rank, indicating smaller dioceses are healthier and easier to
turn around, (b) there was a high prevalence of laissez-faire leadership among current
ordinaries (N = 54), above the 70th percentile, (c) the correlation between
transformational leadership and changes in vitality score was positive as hypothesized,
though not statistically significant, r = .18, p = .31, and (d) the correlation between
laissez-faire leadership and changes in vitality score was negative as hypothesized,
though not statistically significant, r = -.33, p = .06. This research resulted in a reliable
way to compare dioceses and track performance. I propose four solutions, present
avenues for future research, and discuss implications of this research for bishops and for
those entrusted with leadership development of future pastors.