Developing apprentice leaders through critical reflection

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doris Schedlitzki
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Situated Learning ◽  
Critical Reflection ◽  
Leadership Education ◽  
Sustainable Leadership ◽  
Senior Leaders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Reflection

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore opportunities for delivering sustainable leadership education through critical reflection embedded in the framework of higher and degree apprenticeships. Design/methodology/approach This paper contributes to leadership development research that focusses on “leader becoming” as an ongoing process of situated learning (in the classroom and everyday work life). The approach to leadership development adopted in this paper proposes that sustainable leadership practices and decision making are developed when leadership learning is firmly embedded in work-based practices and critical self-reflection. Findings The discussion of critical reflection methods focusses on utilising the learning portfolio as a core aspect of all leadership and management apprenticeships to embed sustainable and reflective practice and facilitate situated leadership learning. The paper explores the role of training providers in actively connecting higher and degree apprenticeships to embed this model of leadership development and seeing leadership as a lifelong apprenticeship. It also highlights the potential for resistance by managers and senior leaders in seeing themselves as apprentices rather than accomplished leaders. By paying attention to issues of language and identity in this discussion, it will surface practical implications for the delivery of sustainable leadership education through the framework of apprenticeships. Originality/value This paper adds to the theoretical and practical understanding of sustainable leadership education by exploring opportunities for re-framing leadership development as a lifelong apprenticeship focussed on personal and professional development. Recognising the resistance that often exists to reflective practice within leadership development contexts, this paper further explores ways of dealing with such resistance.

Critical reflection in leadership development

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 409-420
Author(s):  
Yingting Wu ◽  
Oliver Crocco
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Critical Reflection ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Final Sample

Purpose This paper explores the role of critical reflection in the context of leadership development and how it is measured. The purpose of this paper is to review theoretical and empirical research that captures the application of critical reflection in leadership development. Design/methodology/approach This study is an integrative literature review of peer-reviewed journal articles on critical reflection in leadership development. The search revealed 172 peer-reviewed journal articles based on the search terms. The authors conducted a staged review of the abstracts and identified a final sample of 27 empirical articles and 12 non-empirical articles for review. Findings The findings of this review show that critical reflection is an essential tool for leadership development and has been utilized in a variety of ways and through multiple theoretical perspectives. Despite being relied on heavily in leadership development, the measurement for critical reflection is not well established in the literature. Originality/value The researchers propose a conceptual model that integrates the phases and levels of critical reflection as well as the desired outcomes in leadership development. Implications for leadership development are also discussed.

The reflective practitioner: the challenges of supporting public sector senior leaders as they engage in reflective practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 783-798
Author(s):  
Lisa Rowe ◽  
Neil Moore ◽  
Paul McKie
Keyword(s):  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Scholarly Activity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Senior Leaders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThis paper explores the challenges, issues and benefits of reflective practice faced by work-based practitioners undertaking negotiated experiential learning. The study focuses upon the case of a ground-breaking UK-based Senior Leader Master's Degree Apprenticeship (SLMDA) programme which requires learners to develop and apply reflective practice skills through comprehensive work-based learning and research activities. Degree apprenticeships represent a significant opportunity for providers and employers to become more closely aligned in the joint development and promotion of innovative learning opportunities, yet the efficacy of individually negotiated, experiential learning and reflective practice for senior leaders within a challenging healthcare environment remains relatively unexplored from a tripartite perspective. This paper investigates the role of reflective practice within a leading degree apprenticeship programme which embraces this pedagogic approach and considers the potential barriers and benefits for learners and their organisations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins by discussing the nature of reflective practice in the workplace and explores the growing importance of this activity in contemporary organisations. Theoretical and conceptual foundations relating to experiential learning and reflective practice are analysed and discussed. The SLMDA programme and NHS case organisation are described in detail. Qualitative data drawn from semi-structured interviews undertaken with learners, employers and personal academic tutors (PATs) are then analysed to identify the key issues and challenges encountered.FindingsThe study identifies the benefits of reflective practice, explores the challenges and issues that act as barriers to reflective practice and highlights the importance of the role of the personal academic tutor (PAT) and that of employers in supporting and developing reflective practice in one of the first SLMDA programmes to launch within the UK.Originality/valueAlthough reflective practice and work-based research have attracted considerable scholarly activity, investigations have overwhelmingly been focused upon professions such as teaching and nursing and have explored challenges and issues from the perspective of the provider. This study explores reflective practice from the viewpoint of learners, employers and PATs and thereby seeks to complement and expand current understanding by developing a more holistic approach. This work will inform future programme design, practitioner skills development and employer support procedures as learners plan and prepare to facilitate work-based research projects within their organisations.

Reflections from the field (mountain, cityscape and park): walking for management development and links to being-in-the world, belonging and “Ba”

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur F. Turner ◽  
Gareth Edwards ◽  
Catherine Latham ◽  
Harriet Shortt
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Management Development ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personal Story ◽  
The World ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time

PurposeThe purpose of this paper, based on reflections from practice, is to shed light on the realities of using walking as a tool for learning and development. This is done through an initial analysis of longitudinal reflective data spanning seven years and connecting these reflections to the concepts: being-in-the-world, belonging and Ba.Design/methodology/approachThis research takes a practice based phenomenological and reflective approach. The value of this approach is to seek a new understanding, through three distinct conceptual frames, of the effective use of walking within management development.FindingsThe findings connect three conceptual approaches of being-in-the-world, belonging and “Ba” to the practicalities of delivery, thus encouraging practitioners and designers to deeply reflect on the role of walking in management development.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation is that this is largely a personal story exploring the impact of an intuitively developed set of interventions. Despite this, the paper represents a unique and deep interpretation of walking as a mechanism for management development.Practical implicationsThe paper concludes with three recommendations to practitioners wanting to use walking in management development programmes. These are: facilitators need to be familiar with their surroundings; they should look for spaces and places where participants can connect and build relationships; and organisers and sponsors need to recognise how walking not only consolidates knowledge but can help create knowledge too.Originality/valueThis is a unique, seven-year longitudinal study that broadens the theoretical focus of walking as a mechanism for management and leadership development that combines the theoretical lenses of being-in-the-world, belonging and “Ba”, the authors believe, for the first time in research on management development.

How does daily family-supportive supervisor behavior relieve subordinates' job stress? The effect of ethical leadership and positive emotions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chongrui Liu ◽  
Cong Wang ◽  
Hongjie Wang ◽  
Donghua Xu
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Job Stress ◽  
Ethical Leadership ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Experience Sampling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Indirect Relationship ◽  
Family Supportive Supervisor Behaviors

PurposeRelying on a multilevel approach, this paper investigates the day-to-day variations in family-supportive supervisor behaviors influencing subordinates' job stress, as well as the mediating role of positive emotions and the moderating role of ethical leadership.Design/methodology/approachUsing the experience-sampling methodology, the study collected the data from 137 civil servants in China who responded to one daily survey for 10 working days.FindingsWith a total of 1,370 surveys, results supported the hypothesized model linking daily family-supportive supervisor behaviors to daily job stress via subordinates' daily positive emotions. In addition, the study found a moderating effect for ethical leadership positively in the indirect relationship between family-supportive supervisor behaviors and job stress.Practical implicationsThe findings in this study serve practitioners in organizational and leadership development. On the one hand, this study contributes to raising awareness about the importance of improving family-related support in the workplace, in generating subordinates' positive emotions and relieving their job stress. On other hand, the findings highlight the necessity of cultivating ethical leadership for leaders.Originality/valueThis study fulfills an identified need to clarify how and when daily family supportive supervisor behaviors influence subordinates' daily job stress. This study moves beyond previous research by adopting the experience sampling method and demonstrating important cross-level effects of ethical leadership on the within-individual relationship between family supportive supervisor behaviors and job stress.

Cognitive Apprenticeship for Teaching Computer Science and Leadership in Virtual Worlds

2019 ◽  
pp. 180-200
Author(s):  
Cynthia Calongne ◽  
Andrew G. Stricker ◽  
Barbara Truman ◽  
Fil J. Arenas
Keyword(s):  
Computer Science ◽  
Situated Learning ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Cognitive Apprenticeship ◽  
Leadership Education ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Learning Programs ◽  
Design Activities ◽  
Future Work

Cognitive apprenticeship refers to the development of skills under the guidance and tutelage of a domain expert. This chapter covers the theory and highlights 10 years of virtual learning experiences and 52 classes using the cognitive apprenticeship model. It reflects on the impact of presence and explores how learning communities develop as students assume roles and learn by working next to skilled faculty. The examples reinforce the value of deep immersion and identity in situated learning. The software design activities illustrate the benefits experienced when students assume ownership and structure their activities. Through self-reflection, learners illustrated the power of design thinking through group and individual design studios. The chapter concludes with observations from 400 eighth graders and reflections on future work in the design of sustainable learning programs for computer science and leadership education.

Continuous improvement in a university – the first steps: a reflective case study

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 260-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seamus O’Reilly ◽  
Joe Healy ◽  
Rónán O’Dubhghaill
Keyword(s):  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Implementation Phase ◽  
Participative Approach ◽  
Tools And Techniques ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Using Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation literature as an organising framework, the purpose of this paper is to explore the initial steps in a continuous improvement (CI) journey taken by an Irish university in order to identify the motivations, highlight key challenges and considers the capabilities required to initiate and sustain a CI programme. Design/methodology/approach This study focusses on one case organisation. A participative approach is adopted to learn from the initial steps taken in the establishment of a CI programme. Given this approach, the researchers had access to all documents and related archives associated with this initiative. Hence an iterative learning approach is adopted with the analysis of data from the first 12-month plan informing the next planning and implementation phase. Findings This paper provides a reflective account of why and how a university went about commencing a CI programme. The motivation to establish the CI programme not only reflects the current fiscal environment but also one characterised by a need to respond to a number of increasingly demanding stakeholders. The insights gained highlight the importance of alignment with strategy, role of specialists and use of a structured method informed by a LSS approach. Of particular note is the role of expertise, both internal and external, and within this context the interplay between a formal top-down approach and the coming together enthusiast staff, some of whom had CI experience from previous employment. A number of practical implications were identified as a result of the study including the key role of the project sponsor; the criticality of an understanding of the fundamental LSS concepts and tools and techniques by management; and the key role played by improvement specialists. Originality/value While in recent times a strong case for the application of LSS in HEIs has been made, there is a paucity of case studies based on the reflective practice in the field. This paper is novel in that it aims to address this and contribute to an emerging body of CI literature in the HEI area.

The German advertising industry – from 1950 to 2018

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-125
Author(s):  
Damian Hesse ◽  
Katja Lurie
Keyword(s):  
Special Focus ◽  
German Industry ◽  
Sustainable Leadership ◽  
Advertising Agencies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Advertising Industry ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the development of the German advertising industry starting from 1950 to 2018 with a special focus on the American influence. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses the oral history methodology. The content is based on 27 semi-structured interviews with current and former experts from the German and American advertising industry. An analysis of secondary sources supports the line of argumentation. Findings The paper confirms the outstanding role of the American influence on the German advertising industry, owing to new standards of professionalism, to novel versions of terminology and to the introduction of the theory of marketing. However, incompatible management styles, increasing global competition and financial pressure diminished the impact. Likewise, the American interference did not suppress the development of specific German industry characteristics such as a strong entrepreneurial culture or sustainable leadership. Originality/value This paper provides an overview of the history of German advertising with a focus on advertising agencies in the period from 1950 to today (2018). Further, this paper assesses the special impact of the American influence on the German advertising industry. Further, subjects of investigation are particularities of the German advertising industry, such as special attributes of agency leaders and their relationship with clients, distinct versions of ownership structures, agency service offerings and, finally, the role of creativity.

Leadership development: an applied comparison of Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle and Scharmer’s Theory U

2015 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 336-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Potter
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Leadership Skills ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Theory U ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
A Current

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine two contrasting leadership development methodologies, Reflective Practice and Scharmer’s Theory U. Design/methodology/approach – Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle and Scharmer’s Reflecting Deeply exercise were applied to the same leadership incident on separate days. Findings – Reflective Practice provided helpful insights through focusing on one’s thoughts, feelings and motives during the event, as well as the actions of others and the author’s responses to them. The author found that using Scharmer’s Reflecting Deeply exercise enabled a deeper understanding of the incident to emerge, which also provided new and distinct insights. Research limitations/implications – The main limitation was the case study nature of this exercise; these findings are merely the result of one person’s experiences. Practical implications – To develop rounded leadership skills, leaders can benefit from tapping into all of their resources; these two approaches allow different aspects of one’s intelligence to be accessed, which ought to facilitate greater development. Social implications – Many authors cite a current crisis of leadership, not least of all a perceived failure to tackle the environmental challenges we face. By seeking to develop more intelligent and rounded leaders, leadership itself ought to improve which in turn should help society tackle pressing issues. Originality/value – To the author’s knowledge, a direct comparison of the leadership development methodologies used in this paper has not been previously described. This paper provides useful insights into the practical application of Reflective Practice and Scharmer’s Theory U, which will help inform others seeking to develop as leaders.

The role of HR in leadership development

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 20-23
Author(s):  
Shilpa Kabra Maheshwari ◽  
Jaya Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Management Training ◽  
Training And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Environments ◽  
Leadership Capability ◽  
Recruitment Performance

Purpose Business environments have become more complex, dynamic, and uncertain in the past few decades. To navigate this complexity, organizations need to enhance their competitiveness, improve performance, and build leadership. Though leadership contributes to strategic advantage, the challenge for human resources (HR) to build the next generation of leaders remains. This has sparked the need for practitioners to understand the role of HR in enhancing leadership capability. Design/methodology/approach Using qualitative analysis and practitioner insights, this paper contributes to the understanding of the role of HR in leadership development. Findings The study proposes the HR PACE model for the role of HR in leadership development. Practical implications This study has potentially significant implications for HR, leadership development scholars, and practitioners while designing and implementing leadership development in organizations. Originality/value While empirical studies on how HR practices of recruitment, performance management, training, and development impact organizations exist, there are rare studies assessing the role of HR in leadership development. This study examines the role of HR in leadership development.

Self-reflection as a mediator between self-efficacy and well-being

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inge van Seggelen - Damen ◽  
Karen van Dam
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Emotional Exhaustion ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Reflection

Purpose – How does self-efficacy affect employee well-being? The purpose of this paper is to increase insight in the underlying process between employee self-efficacy and well-being at work (i.e. emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction) by investigating the mediating role of employees’ engagement in reflection and rumination. Design/methodology/approach – A representative sample of the Dutch working population (n=506) filled out an online questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to test the measurement model and research model. Findings – As predicted, self-efficacy was significantly related to emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction. Rumination mediated the self-efficacy-exhaustion relationship. Reflection did not serve as a mediator; although reflection was predicted by self-efficacy, it was unrelated to exhaustion and job satisfaction. Research limitations/implications – This cross-sectional study was restricted to self-report measures. Longitudinal research is needed to validate the findings and to further investigate the relationship between reflection and rumination. Practical implications – Organizations might try to support their employees’ well-being through interventions that strengthen employees’ self-efficacy, and prevent or decrease rumination. Originality/value – This study increases the understanding of the role of reflection and rumination at work. The findings indicate that self-reflection can have positive as well as negative outcomes.

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