Table of ContentsIntroductionLeadership Communication StyleLeadership Style -- Blake and Mouton Managerial GridMaintaining ControlNext StyleThe Sea OrganizationConclusionRecommendationsIntroductionSince its inception, the practice of Scientology has aroused great interest for many people besides herself. to its unconventional customs. The Church of Scientology was founded by L. Ron Hubbard in 1950 (Wood). Hubbard died in 1986, without naming a clear successor (Howell). David Miscavige took on the challenge shortly after, and he continues to lead with the title of Chairman of the Religious Technology Center Board of Directors. This role gives Miscavige various responsibilities, including as "ecclesiastical leader" ("David Miscavige"). This report will analyze how David Miscavige employs effective and ineffective leadership qualities at the helm of Scientology. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Although this report focuses on Miscavige's leadership, it is important to establish what Scientology is by describing some of its core practices and beliefs. In Hubbard's writings, Scientology is defined as "an applied religious philosophy and technology solving problems of the mind, life, and thought" (Hubbard 2-5). The beliefs followed by Scientology are said to be: "75 million years ago[,] Earth was known as Teegeeack and... an intergalactic warlord named Xenu brought billions of his enemies here since d other stars and vaporized them with hydrogen bombs. The souls of these beings still haunt our planet and hearing exorcises them” (Wood). Many tout Scientology's creed as bizarre, although others argue that "the beliefs of Scientologists are no more bizarre than those of any other religion" (Bradshaw). Without a doubt, David Miscavige must devote a lot of effort to dispelling rumors about Scientology in order to preserve the organization. It's time to examine what Miscavige is doing to lead the Church of Scientology and maintain its very existence. Leadership Communication Style David Miscavige believes in an authoritarian leadership style. He “maintains tight control over his supporters by directly regulating policies, procedures, and behaviors” and “also creates distance between himself and his supporters in order to emphasize role distinctions” (Hackman and Johnson). This is what past and present figures say, including one of the most respected figures in the Church; Debbie Cook suggested the organization had lost its way under Miscavige's leadership. According to some, he is listed as a tyrant who is not afraid to punish those who stand in his way or remove executives from their positions (Miami). Rathbun, a former Church of Scientology executive and spokesperson who once defended Miscavige against all allegations, now says he is nothing more than a 5-foot-10 bully who physically attacks his subordinates (Nark). The current leader mistreats those under his command and isolates his followers from their families, using his fists to touch people's lives. It is also alleged that actor Tom Cruise had to divorce Nicole Kidman in 2001 at Miscavige's request. Kidman's father was known to be a critic of Scientology. A strict authoritarian leader such as Miscavige would not allow his authority to be questioned (Howell). This also contributes to the power distance perceived by theScientologists. There is a large power distance, which is consistent with his strict authoritarian leadership. His word is law and any argument can lead to the exclusion of an individual from the group (Growing Clear). Although Miscavige has greatly inspired many current and past followers, he continues to maintain strict control over the Church, ensuring that each individual does what he believes benefits the religion. To some well-known figures like TomCruise, who identifies as a Scientologist, Miscavige is considered a competent, intelligent, tolerant or compassionate man (Nark). Since Cruise is a high-profile celebrity, Miscavige expertly manipulates him by rewarding his good behavior. After Miscavige convinced Cruise to divorce Kidman, Cruise and Miscavige became on good terms again. According to Ortega, “In 2004, Tom Cruise was the most enthusiastic Scientologist in the world, and Miscavige wanted to recognize him for that. He called it “The Freedom of Valor Medal” and they made this thirty-five minute video. In this document, they simply convey the idea that Tom Cruise is the ambassador of Scientology to the world” (Going Clear). John Travolta has also been a faithful Scientologist for many years. Travolta said, “I am part of a frontier, in a way, that very few people can be part of” (Howell). Although not referring to Miscavige's leadership style, these personality traits can be exemplified in his humanitarian efforts. Following in Hubbard's footsteps, Miscavige believes he plays an important role in the global community as a religious leader because he is part of a Church recognized as a legitimate religious institution. Miscavige used his power for a wide variety of initiatives, including drug rehabilitation and prevention as well as the fight against illiteracy ("David Miscavige"). Leadership style - Blake and Mouton's managerial grid David Miscavige's leadership style fits into that of managing obedience to authority under the Blake and Mouton managerial grid. This type of leadership focuses less on the people within the organization and more on the task at hand. There is little or no concern about the value of human life (Hackman and Johnson). "Some former members have alleged abuses under his command. Some have called Miscavige a dictator who isolates followers from their families and uses his fists to touch people's lives" (Nark). Efficient operations within the church are the result of "organizing working conditions so that human elements interfere to a minimal extent" (Hackman and Johnson). Miscavige is a leader who leaves nothing stand in his way. To accomplish certain tasks, he is not afraid to abuse and mistreat members of the Church. In the past, those who stood in his way have been subject to disciplinary action, many of them. executives were even removed from office (Miami). According to Rathbun, "Miscavige is a true believer. He uses and abuses people on a personal level. That's how he got to the top." that he stayed at the top” (Going Clear) The best situation was when Miscavige’s paranoia led him to “turn on the highest-ranking leaders of the Sea Org” (Alex Gibney, Going Clear). DeVocht said, “He definitely erased that organizational model so he could have ultimate power” (Going Clear). “In 2004, Miscavige ordered senior officers of the Sea Org. at the Scientology gold base in Southern California. He forced them to live in two double-wide trailers which became 'the hole'” (Alex Gibney, Going Clear). According to Rinder, former spokesperson forthe Church of Scientology, “the doors were barred. The windows were all barred and there was a front door with a security guard manning it twenty-four hours a day” (Going Clear). DeVocht recounts, “We were told that we needed to figure out what each person's crimes were against Miscavige and Hubbard so that we could eventually dig ourselves out of the hole” (Going Clear). With tactics such as those presented above, it is evident that David Miscavige has little respect for followers of the Church of Scientology, only caring about tasks that must be accomplished for the benefit of the Church or himself. -even. Maintaining control Miscavige confirmed the dream imagined by Hubbard. policies and procedures after his death. The "fair game" policy was the most compelling in Scientology's history. Tony Ortega, a journalist, explains (Going Clear): “This stems directly from Hubbard's policies of the 1960s. He [Hubbard] said: “We never defend, we always attack.” » And they have followed him ever since. They called it “Fair Game” and anyone who criticizes Scientology is “Fair Game.” Scientology has always had problems with the government because it considered itself a religion and should not have to pay taxes. When Hubbard was in power, he fled the United States to avoid paying millions of dollars in taxes (Going Clear). However, a pivotal moment for Scientology occurred on October 1, 1993, when the IRS deemed Scientology a religion and granted it a tax exemption. Miscavige said, “What we're going to talk about today is a war to end all wars” (Going Clear). Lawrence Wright, author of the book Going Clear, further explains: “Faced with this crisis, Miscavige formulated a strategy” (Going Clear). Not only did the Church sue the IRS, but Scientologists also began prosecuting individuals within the IRS and investigating the IRS for general crimes that had nothing to do with the Church ( Going Clear). Alex Gibney concluded: "The IRS forgave the billion-dollar tax bill and granted Scientology its tax exemption...Miscavige conveyed to Goldberg that if they could obtain exempt status, all these lawsuits would disappear overnight” (Going Clear). The entire organization is also structured on a bait and switch concept. According to Paul Haggis, when he joined the group, he believed that Scientology was simply meant to help them achieve their personal goals in life (Going Clear). However, Ortega explains: “You have to be a Scientologist for seven or eight years and make a few hundred thousand dollars before you finally learn the story of Xenu, the galactic overlord. Now, if we told you that from day one, how many people would join? » (Become clear). This success inspired followers to remain members of the Church and proved that Miscavige was a worthy leader, allowing him to maintain control over his followers. Hubbard invented the electropsychometer in order to perform what he called "auditing sessions." These sessions aimed to help people resolve their anxieties and inner problems. What many people did not realize was that the Church was recording and using their confidential information to control their behavior. “One of the reasons for Cruise's loyalty to Scientology,” the film [Going Clear] claims, “is that Miscavige maintains a spy intelligence dossier documenting the church's claim that Cruise is engaged in “perverse sexual relations”. This description of Cruise's sex life, which is notdeveloped, comes from one of several former Scientologists interviewed by Gibney” (The Star). “Cruise ended his 11-year marriage to Kidman in 2001 after Miscavige grew suspicious of Kidman's father, a prominent Australian psychologist who was critical of Scientology. As for Boniadi, also an actress and a regular on the TV series Homeland, the film says that Cruise cruelly chased her away, after she was carefully groomed to be with him (including orthodontic work and clothes worth of $20,000), because she accidentally disrespected Miscavige. (The Star). Due to Miscavige's friendship and influence over him, Cruise is easily manipulated into doing whatever Miscavige decides to benefit the Church. Following the Style Scientology believers are conformists; “they are committed to the goals of the organization but express few thoughts of their own” (Hackman and Johnson). They closely follow the rules established both by the book of Dianetics and by their past and present ecclesiastical leaders. According to Lorne Dawson, a professor at the University of Waterloo, "they [adherents] sincerely believe that their lives [because of their membership in Scientology] acquire purpose and meaning, and that they have a superior view of the world » (German). Under the authoritarian leadership style of David Miscavige, who maintained strict control over believers, Scientologists were driven to withhold their thoughts and ideas out of fear of authority (Beebe et al 88). Ms. Jenna Miscavige, niece of David Miscavige, believes that "Scientology makes it difficult for followers to leave the faith... since the Church threatens its dissidents with serious reprisals." Many followers are often treated from early childhood. For Ms. Miscavige, this tactic is disgusting. “It’s completely taking advantage of someone who is innocent, vulnerable and has no one to protect them” (Globe & Mail). Members are conformists, formed at a young age and with an institutional fear of Scientology's executive members. They are afraid to speak out or say bad things about religion, thus holding back their ideas. Conformity may also be the reason Scientology continues to grow. Canadian Scientology leaders say there are 100,000 Scientologists in Canada, although a previous government-led census recorded only 1,525 (Germany). Although it does not attract as many followers as the leaders wish, membership will continue to increase as followers obey the rules of the Church. "Scientology's growth strategy depends on retaining the children of the most devout Scientologists, people nurtured in the faith and accustomed to its ways." Many current Scientologists were born into this religion and have no choice but to participate in their beliefs (Allemang). The Sea Organization The book Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape is written by Jenna Miscavige Hill, the niece of Scientology leader David Miscavige. Jenna Miscavige Hill is an American former Scientologist In Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape, Jenna describes her childhood in the church, her life as a member of Sea Org, the most dedicated core group in the church. Jenna explains in detail in her book what it was like to be sent away as a child to receive a Scientology education, the work that was imposed on her, the harassment she faced from officials all throughout his life (Hill). Not only is she related to Scientology's most powerful member, but after leaving the Church of Scientology in 2005, she became a prominent critic of the organization and David Miscavige himself. Jenna..