The Refractive Thinker® Vol. XXVI Dynamics of Power

Unveiling the Social Forces That Shape Us

By: Dr. Gail Ade, Dr. Kemi Osigbesan, Dr. Oyindamola Ijewere, Dr. Royelle Comer, Dr. Kevin Grant, Dr. Karen Balcanoff, Dr. Judie Brill, Dr. Elmer Hall

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

The Refractive Thinker® Volume XXVI: Dynamics of Power explores one of the most influential and misunderstood forces in modern society: power. This peer-reviewed doctoral anthology brings together diverse scholars and practitioners to examine how power shapes leadership, organizational culture, ethical decision-making, generational behavior, social influence, and human connection.

Guided by Managing Editor Dr. Cheryl A. Lentz, this 26th edition of the award-winning Refractive Thinker® series refracts academic research through a practical lens—translating complex theory into actionable insight for leaders, educators, business executives, and change makers.

Across nine chapters, this volume explores topics including:

• Contextual and relational leadership
• Transformational leadership and change agency
• Cybersecurity awareness amid global instability
• Generational forces that shape workplaces
• Cultural and gendered dimensions of power
• Ethical leadership, authority, and influence
• Resilience and social impact leadership
• The refractive role of silence in leadership

Designed to make scholarship accessible beyond academia, each chapter bridges doctoral research with practical business and leadership applications. This edition continues the mission of The Refractive Thinker®—bringing scholarly insights out of the ivory tower and into the hands of those who can use them to lead, inspire, and create meaningful change.
Ideal for leadership professionals, consultants, doctoral learners, educators, HR executives, organizational development specialists, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics that shape modern leadership.

Chapter 1: Dr. Gail Ade, Dr. Kemi Osigbesan, Dr. Oyindamola Ijewere, & Dr. Royelle Comer
Rethinking Power Dynamics in Leadership: A Contextual and Relational Imperative
Chapter 2: Dr. Kevin Grant
Transformational Leadership. The Power of Change Agents
Chapter 3: Dr. Avideh Sadaghiani
Cybersecurity Awareness Amid Geopolitical Conflicts and Global Turmoil’s Dark Enlightenment
Chapter 4: Dr. Karen Balcanoff, Dr. Judie Brill, Dr. Wendy Mizerek-Herrburger, & Dr. James Wright
How Generational Forces Affect the Workplace
Chapter 5: Dr. Gail Ade, Dr. Marietta Poshi, Dr. Kemi Osigbesan, & Dr. Royelle Comer
Cultural, Gender, and Contextual Dimensions of Power: Navigating Agency Across Societies
Chapter 6: Dr. Toscha Dickerson
Shadow of Authority: The Many Faces of Leadership and Power
Chapter 7: Dr. Denean Lear & Dr. Janie Hall
The Dynamic Power of Social Impact Leaders: Building Resilience and Resource Capabilities During Uncertain Times
Chapter 8: Dr. Cheryl Lentz
Understanding the Power of Influence, Silence, and Leadership
Chapter 9: Dr. Cheryl Lentz & Dr. Elmer Hall
The Power of Silence in Leadership: A Refractive Theory of Influence