‘The collar never comes off’: A qualitative study of clergy professionalism

Abstract In this study, we examine clergy use of verbal and nonverbal communicative behaviors of professionalism within the pastor–parishioner dyad. In doing so, we interviewed 21 clergy from disparate Christian denominations—The Episcopal Church, USA, and The Assemblies of God, and analyzed data via modified constant comparative analysis. Findings, conceptualized through Uhl-Bien’s Relational Leadership Theory (RLT), produced answers as to why clergy members employ professionalism-based behaviors, which behaviors they frequently employ, and the benefit of professionalism to the pastor–parishioner leadership dyad. Findings theoretically contribute (1) an introduction toward the development of a clergy framework of professionalism, (2) an expansion on the understanding of professionalism, (3) a mechanism of influence and control inside RLT—professionalism, and (4) demonstrates that co-construction within a leadership relationship is guided by underlying assumptions of power within the dyad. The authors conclude with pragmatic implications for all leaders.