Date of Completion
Fall 12-15-2025
Thesis Advisor(s)
Nell D'Auria, Nicholas Lurie
Honors Major
Marketing
Disciplines
Business and Corporate Communications | Interpersonal and Small Group Communication | Leadership | Organizational Communication | Social Influence and Political Communication
Abstract
This thesis critically investigates the leadership effectiveness of Lorne Michaels, the executive producer behind the comedic institution Saturday Night Live (SNL). For nearly half a century, Michaels has cultivated a unique and high-pressure environment credited with launching the careers of numerous comedic actors. Drawing upon Kouzes & Posner's Five Principles of Exemplary Leadership framework and peer-reviewed research, this analysis examines the balance Michaels strikes between fostering innovation and exercising strict control. Ultimately, this thesis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of Lorne Michaels' leadership, assessing its effectiveness within the dynamic and often volatile environment of live television production and its broader implications for leadership in creative industries.
Recommended Citation
Laput, Emily, "Assessing Leadership in Business: A Critical Investigation of Lorne Michaels" (2025). Honors Scholar Theses. 1148.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/srhonors_theses/1148