Over 50 Years of Original Research

Our research team aspires to create new knowledge that advances our field and positively transforms the way leaders, organizations, and societies confront the most difficult challenges of the 21st century.

How We Do It

We use a wide range of approaches, applying the most appropriate method for the question whether doing interviews, running focus groups, collecting survey data, or doing data collection.

Where We Do It

We conduct our research in a variety of settings including the CCL classroom, while collaborating with clients, and with university and industry partners.

Who Does It

Our expert research team uses a variety of qualitative and quantitative methodologies and scientific methods to create evidence-based research that furthers the understanding of leadership development.

A Rich Legacy

Research is an integral part of CCL’s rich history. Our founder, H. Smith Richardson, dreamed of an institute that created research to understand how leaders succeed. Since 1970, CCL has been conducting academic and applied research involving clients like you in real-world situations. Evidence-based science informs CCL’s programs and offerings while furthering our understanding of leadership development.

An image taken in 1907 of the founder of the Center for Creative Leadership
Early research on creative leadership in a sensory stimulation room
An image of the first CCL research office in 1970