The Refractive Thinker® Vol. XXVI Dynamics of Power: Unveiling the Social Forces That Shape Us

Unlike most academic books that merely define research, The Refractive Thinker® series offers unique application of effective business practices from the perspective of multiple authors – each offering a chapter based on their scholarly expertise.

The Refractive Thinker® series provides doctoral scholars with a collaborative opportunity to promote and publish their work in an award winning peer-reviewed publication, which meets the university standard. Our goal is to provide an affordable outlet for scholars that supports the tremendous need for dynamic dialogue and innovation while providing additional credibility and recognition for each contributing author.

Join Foreword writer Jordan Wilson and esteemed doctoral scholars from around the globe as they present their research and discuss the innovative disruption of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Scholars share not only current trends and applications of this emerging technology, but also functional and moral concerns as the use of AI spreads to all facets of the personal and

business landscape. Come join us! This volume will not only inform readers of the current state of affairs, but also offer ideas that merit further consideration as AI continues to evolve into a societal tool that will continue to shape the conversation of future success in business around the world.

Contributions from our doctoral scholars:

Foreword by Jordan Wilson

CHAPTER 1

Integrating AI Technologies: Real-World Applications

in Education, Business, and Beyond

Dr. Andrew Anderson

CHAPTER 2

Synergy of Human + Artificial Intelligence:

Delphi and the Genius of Crowds

Dr. Elmer Hall & Dr. Cheryl Lentz

CHAPTER 3

Artificial Intelligence: The Next Step

in Technological Evolution

Dr. Kevin Grant

CHAPTER 4

Artificial Intelligence Versus Human Intelligence:

The Race Towards the Inevitable

Dr. Marietta Poshi

CHAPTER 5

The Intersectionality of AI Bias, Diversity,

& Economic Implication

Dr. Gail Ade, Dr. Letitia Haynes, Dr. Kemi

Osigbesan, & Dr. Royelle Comer

CHAPTER 6

The Dark Side of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Biases

Dr. Yottie M. Kenan-Smalls

CHAPTER 7

Navigating the Integration of Artificial Intelligence

in Higher Education: Opportunities, Challenges,

and Ethical Considerations

Dr. Karen Balcanoff & Dr. Cheryl Lentz

CHAPTER 8

Cybersecurity Awareness Amid Evolution of

Artificial Intelligence, Decentralized Identification,

and Blockchain Cyber Realm

Dr. Avideh Sadaghiani-Tabrizi

EPILOGUE

Reflections: Bridging Past, Present, and Future in AI

Dr. Susie Schild

 

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Description

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