This study on presidential leadership and its effectiveness in addressing sluggish economic development and corruption in Sierra Leone  is the result of shared experiences, relationships and thoughts with many people over a long time. I am deeply indebted to all those who nurtured this project in ways large and small from the moment of inception to the moment of completing the research. It is never possible to acknowledge all persons who make contributions to the research work of a dissertation thesis. Completing a dissertation thesis requires assistance from so many individuals and sources. I wish to thank, however, a few who were especially helpful. Without them, the thesis would have been impossible. 

        Walden University has a fine cadre of faculty to make a research project a thorough endeavor.  Dr. Frances Goldman, Dr. Barb-Wright, Dr. Aquiel Ahmad, and Dr. Godwin Igein—each of these individuals' command for excellence and thoroughness has guided me in a way I am able to create this final product. But much credit, though, is due to my mentor and dissertation chair Dr. Aquiel Ahmad himself, who has been a marvelous (and patient) instructor in the art and craft of dissertation thesis research.  He edited the thesis with great care and dedication, putting himself in the position of those new to the subject matter. His astute queries and suggestions for cross-references contributed greatly toward making this a more readable and useful research.

        I am thankful for the professionalism of Mind Garden, the licensing organization that assisted with the survey instrument developed by Bass and Avolio (1990), a foundation of much of the theory explored.

        Further, the Leonenet and SaloneDiscussion Forums have continually offered current critical thought and information on governance issues and act as a sounding board for all ideas. The inputs and comments gleaned from these forums have also influenced this thesis. 

        The effective presidential leadership against corruption (EPLAC) recommendations presented in this thesis should be useful for determining the key skills a leader needs now and in the future to be an effective leader. It can also help a leader cultivate an understanding of leadership effectiveness, develop a common language about presidential leadership that can increase communication, and demonstrate the need for change. This thesis is a result of my work in leadership assessment, growth, and development. My orientation is an outgrowth of my background as a leadership and organizational change scholar. By using the principles and ideas presented in this thesis, a leader can create his own development plan, as well as guide others toward attainable development.

       I hope this thesis will be found to be immediately useful and a source of reference for the future.

Kenday Samuel Kamara, 2009
Walden University

No part of this thesis may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher (kenday.kamara@waldenu.edu).

About the Author:
Kenday Samuel Kamara, Ph.D. is a research consultant in development policy analysis and organizational management knowledge. Affiliations: Registered with the CANADEM Civilian Roster of Consultants: CANADEM Reg. No. 9743 / Registered with the Intota Expert Network - Expert ID 729334 Email: kenday.kamara@waldenu.edu.