Dobrotka, Dr. Sam
About
Dr. Dobrotka brings over three decades of leadership experience to his work in higher education, with a background rooted primarily in local church ministry. His academic and professional focus centers on understanding the factors that contribute to clergy effectiveness. His doctoral research culminated in the development of a quantitative scale to empirically measure clergy effectiveness – work that continues to inform his teaching and scholarship. Dr. Dobrotka’s research interests include organizational leadership and structure, change management, conflict resolution, team dynamics, strategic planning, leadership formation, and clergy effectiveness.
Before joining academia, Dr. Dobrotka served in various pastoral roles in five different churches and held the position of Executive Director for a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Connecticut. He is frequently called upon to lead in roles that are newly created or undefined, where he is known for bringing clarity, structure, and strategic direction.
In addition to his work in the U.S., Dr. Dobrotka is passionate about cross-cultural service and education. He has partnered with indigenous organizations in Bangladesh, India, and Rwanda, and has taught graduate-level leadership courses in India, Nepal, Nigeria, and Uganda.
Dr. Dobrotka, and his wife, Betsy, have three adult children and six grandchildren. Outside the classroom, he enjoys hiking, travel, Grisham novels, and losing some golf balls a few times a year.
Publications
Dobrotka, S. P. (2025). Discipleship: Is Our Model Complete? Quadrum 6 (October): 76-102.
Dobrotka, S. P. (2025). “Influence or coercion?: Communicating Power in Philemon.” In L. Hunt, S. Veiss, and J. Henson (Eds.), Biblical Leadership Communication: Christian Faith Perspectives in Leadership and Business. Palgrave.
Dobrotka, S. P. (2022). Measuring Clergy Effectiveness: The Development of the Clergy Effectiveness Scale. In M. Bocarnea, B.E. Winston & D. Dean (Eds.), Advancements in Organizational Data Collection and Measurements: Strategies for Addressing Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behaviors. IGI Global. ISBN: 9781799876656.
Dobrotka, S. P. (2021). Jesus as Mentor. In J.D. Henson (Ed.), Biblical Organizational Leadership: Principles from the Life of Jesus in the Gospel of John (pp. 71-88). Palgrave. ISBN 9783030699284.
