Implications of a shadowing/mentoring programme for aspiring principals

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda Service ◽  
Gulay Erin Dalgic ◽  
Kate Thornton
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Principal's Role ◽  
Post Graduate ◽  
Data Collection Process ◽  
Aspiring Principals ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of a shadowing/mentoring component of a post-graduate programme designed to prepare deputy and assistant principals for the principalship. Design/methodology/approach – The research design is a qualitative evaluation of the shadowing/mentoring component of a principal preparation programme. The experiences of 13 individual aspiring principals who had taken part in the programme were explored using semi-structured interviews. Findings – The shadowing/mentoring component of this programme allowed the aspiring principals to gain an understanding of the complexity of a principal’s role by shadowing and being mentored by experienced principals in a range of New Zealand schools. In addition to providing them with a network of effective principals, the experience led the aspiring principals to reflect on their leadership development. Research limitations/implications – The study drew on a small sample of 27 students enroled in the programme, 13 of whom were included in the data collection process. Originality/value – This study presents the views of aspiring principals who valued the opportunity to relate theory to practice as part of a post-graduate programme.

Collusion with denial: leadership development and its evaluation

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth King ◽  
Paul Nesbit
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Leadership Development Programs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Leadership Development Program ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate ways to gain deeper understanding of the evaluation challenge by reporting on insights about the impact of a leadership development program. It focusses on participants’ reflective post-course analysis of their learning, comparing this to a traditional evaluative analysis. Recently there has been a greater focus on programs to develop leaders who have the requisite cognitive and behavioral complexity to lead in challenging environments. However models for the evaluation of such programs often rely on methodologies that assume learning of specific skills rather than assessment of how well participants are able to cognitively and behaviorally adapt to uncertain and complex environments. Design/methodology/approach – The leadership development program was evaluated in two stages and the findings compared. Stage 1 elicited responses to the program using a traditional evaluation approach. Stage 2 involved 30 semi-structured interviews with the participants exploring the connections made between their development experience, work environment and approach to challenge. Findings – Evaluation approaches which focus on assessing reflection about personal learning provide greater detail on learning experience than traditional approaches to evaluation and can increase our understanding of the broader impact of leadership development programs. Current evaluation practices are mostly traditional despite dissatisfaction with outcomes. There are functional and financial benefits flowing from this practice suggesting collusion with denial between the suppliers and purchasers of leadership development and posing a question of causation. Originality/value – This study supports the use of qualitative evaluation techniques and in particular a focus on post-learning reflection to increase understanding of the impact of leadership development programs. The increased understanding provided by this type of evaluation can play a significant role in both the design of leader development programs and the creation of strategic alignment between business strategy, the purpose of leadership development interventions, learning objectives, program design and program evaluation.

Leader, “know yourself”: bringing back self-awareness, trust and feedback with a theory O perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ngaio Crook ◽  
Ozan Nadir Alakavuklar ◽  
Ralph Bathurst
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Theory U ◽  
Conceptual Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Experience Of Change

PurposeThis paper explores how leaders identify their roles and selves when they lead change in a dynamic organizational context.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative approach, ten ICT leaders participated in semi-structured interviews depicting their experiences of change. A thematic method of interpretative analysis was used to develop findings, supported by Theory U as a conceptual tool for leadership self-awareness.FindingsLeaders struggle with organizational constraints and boundaries, specifically the complexities that form and limit their leadership underpinned by unrealistic expectations due to the construction of romanticized heroic leadership. While these restrictions lead to feelings of detachment of leaders from their organizations, leadership development exists in the acts of letting go of old behaviors, and welcoming emergence and experimentation by trusting more.Research limitations/implicationsThis study may be limited by its small sample and the use of one framework to make sense of the leaders' experience of change. It confirms that change can challenge organizing norms and how leadership is identified.Practical implicationsDespite the feeling of detachment from their organizations, developing greater self-awareness, being open to new ideas and trusting more can bring about better organizational outcomes, which is represented with Theory O as a contribution both for theory and practice.Originality/valueThis study illustrates (1) leaders' inner work or personal experience of change, and (2) how improvement of self-awareness can contribute to the involvement of leaders to the change process. Based on self-awareness, trust and feedback relationship, this study suggests a new practical and conceptual tool called Theory O by advancing Theory U.

An evaluation of a leadership development coaching and mentoring programme

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 309-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyndsay Le Comte ◽  
Beverley McClelland
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Distributed Leadership ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Senior Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Group Coaching ◽  
Supportive Culture ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to determine the value and impact of the Leadership Development – Coaching and Mentoring Programme at Counties Manukau Health and understand how the skills gained are applied. Design/methodology/approach Mixed-methods approach including surveys of programme participants and senior staff and semi-structured interviews with programme participants. Findings The survey response rate was 24.4 per cent for programme participants and 30 per cent for senior staff. Eight programme participants participated in semi-structured interviews. Of the 70 programme participants, 69 utilised their learning from the programme; 45 of 70 changed their approach to managing staff; and 40 of 68 programme participants reported that meeting with peers for triad group coaching was the most challenging aspect of the programme. Key themes identified through interviews included: working with others; not owning others’ problems; professional support and development; coaching and mentoring; future participants. Practical implications The majority of participants changed their leadership behaviours as a result of the programme, which has resulted in improved communication, a more supportive culture and distributed leadership. These changes contribute to better patient care. Originality value There is a paucity of evidence in the literature about the impact of coaching and mentoring programme on leadership development and how the skills gained in such programmes are applied in practice in a healthcare context. This evaluation helps to address that gap.

Sustainable development of microfinance customers

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saju Jose ◽  
Jacob Chacko
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rates ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Operating Cost ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Bottom Of The Pyramid ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Interest Rate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine whether microfinance activities aimed at the bottom of the pyramid consumers are sustainable. Design/methodology/approach The study follows a mixed methodology, manager’s views on sustainability of the programs were gauged by analyzing their responses in the areas of diversion of funds, operating cost, interest rates, and return rate of loans through semi-structured interviews. A survey was administered to 316 poor microfinance borrowers at the bottom of the pyramid in India in a cross-sectional field study format. The study used one sample t-test to test the sustainability of the microfinance activities. Findings All else being the same, microfinance activities aimed at the borrower’s communities are not sustainable. The major contributor to the lack of sustainability is the diversion of funds, results of both managers’ interviews and consumer survey provides strong evidence to support this. Though there are issues related to high interest rate, operating cost and low return on investment, it seems that the core issue behind all this is lack of full investment in the microfinance venture. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to only two states in India. The mixed nature of the study meant that semi-structured interviews with a relatively small sample were the most appropriate method to address the research question. Future studies with larger, more representative sample sizes are encouraged to investigate how the findings can be generalized to larger populations. Also the information which determines the experiences and satisfaction of the consumers is collected only once. This study does not account for any changes over time in the populations or their interest. Originality/value The impact of micro finance in alleviating poverty is questioned by researchers and there is demand for further empirical evidence. Therefore, the findings of this study complement with existing work to present a comprehensive understanding of this topic by investigating the sustainability aspect of these programs from the dimension of both customers and lenders.

A qualitative evaluation of an ACT-based substance misuse treatment programme for service users within a secure mental health setting

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 117-131
Author(s):  
Lacey M. Johnson ◽  
Kelly J. Elsegood ◽  
Charlotte Lennox
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Treatment Programme ◽  
Mental Health Setting ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand service users’ experience of a new acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)-based substance misuse programme. The programme is designed for people in secure mental health services, presenting with complex mental health difficulties and co-occurring substance misuse problems. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach informed an exploratory pilot of this novel intervention. Service users completing a 16-week ACT programme were invited to participate in the current study. Out of the nine individuals enroled on the programme, six opted to take part in the exploratory pilot and completed semi-structured interviews following part 1 of the programme (eight weeks). Four of these participants proceeded into part 2 of the programme (eight weeks) and completed a further semi-structured interview. Findings The thematic analysis identified five main themes: “Increased awareness of personal values and the impact of substance use on values”, “Taking committed action towards values”, “Coping skills and the application of skills to manage difficult thoughts and feelings”, “Personal development” and “Use of metaphors/analogies”. Research limitations/implications A quantitative evaluation of clinical outcomes is recommended to gauge further programme effectiveness. Practical implications The findings provide preliminary support for the use of an ACT-based substance misuse programme in a secure mental health setting. Originality/value This study evaluates the use of a novel ACT-based substance misuse intervention with people in secure mental health care with co-occurring mental health and substance misuse difficulties. This paper provides an in-depth understanding of service users’ experience of participating in this new treatment programme.

scholarly journals “Out” in the field. Reflecting on the dilemmas of insider status on data collection and conducting interviews with gay men

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 451-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Gay Men ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Sexual Attraction ◽  
Power Balance ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Data Collection Process ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore using a reflexive approach the impact of author's personal positioning on issues of power balance between the interviewer and the interviewee, dealing with sensitive stories and concerns of difference and sameness between participants and the researcher in both the data collection process and also during the interviews. Design/methodology/approach – Initial data were gathered from 45 semi-structured interviews with self-identified gay men in a wide range of occupations and ages working in the seaside resort of Bournemouth on the south coast of England. Findings – The paper highlights some of the dilemmas of insider status and doing research on gay men. These include: ethical issues of closeness and involvement with participants, dealing with author's own personal frustrations, tackling the power imbalance between the interviewer and the interviewee and the impact of author's personal positioning on the data collection. Originality/value – Little research has been done on the impact of men doing research on issues of diversity. In particular, this paper re-examines the power balance between the interviewer and interviewee as being one sided as previous studies have suggested in the researcher's favour. It also uncovers ethical dilemmas such as sexual attraction and involvement that has had scant coverage in the literature.

Optimal microfinance loan size and poverty reduction amongst female entrepreneurs in Pakistan

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samia Mahmood ◽  
Javed Hussain ◽  
Harry Z. Matlay
Keyword(s):  
Women Entrepreneurs ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Female Entrepreneurs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Loan Size ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of microfinance loans on poverty reduction amongst women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. The authors set out to establish whether there exists an optimal loan size to attain the objectives of women entrepreneurs and poverty reduction in this country. Design/methodology/approach – This exploratory study is based upon an empirical investigation of 123 semi structured interviews as well as in-depth, semi structured interviews with a sub sample of ten women entrepreneurs who secured microfinance loans for their new or established enterprises. Findings – Emergent results show that access to finance is important for female entrepreneurs and helps them realise their potential as entrepreneurs. An optimal, poverty reduction, microfinance size has been identified. A range of entrepreneurial characteristics were found to be critical to the success of women led enterprises in general and to poverty reduction amongst their families in particular. Research limitations/implications – This research focuses upon a relatively small sample of female entrepreneurs operating in the Pakistani economy. Although the results could be relevant to women entrepreneurs in other developing countries, caution should be exercised when attempting to generalise these finding to other contexts. Originality/value – Emergent results make a contribution to research on women entrepreneurship in general and optimal microfinance loan size in particular.

scholarly journals Improving the experience of facility-based delivery for vulnerable women through obstetric care navigation: a qualitative evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten Austad ◽  
Michel Juarez ◽  
Hannah Shryer ◽  
Patricia L. Hibberd ◽  
Mari-Lynn Drainoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Obstetric Care ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Global disparities in maternal mortality could be reduced by universal facility delivery. Yet, deficiencies in the quality of care prevent some mothers from seeking facility-based obstetric care. Obstetric care navigators (OCNs) are a new form of lay health workers that combine elements of continuous labor support and care navigation to promote obstetric referrals. Here we report qualitative results from the pilot OCN project implemented in Indigenous villages in the Guatemalan central highlands. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 mothers who received OCN accompaniment and 13 staff—namely physicians, nurses, and social workers—of the main public hospital in the pilot’s catchment area (Chimaltenango). Interviews queried OCN’s impact on patient and hospital staff experience and understanding of intended OCN roles. Audiorecorded interviews were transcribed, coded, and underwent content analysis. Results Maternal fear of surgical intervention, disrespectful and abusive treatment, and linguistic barriers were principal deterrents of care seeking. Physicians and nurses reported cultural barriers, opposition from family, and inadequate hospital resources as challenges to providing care to Indigenous mothers. Patient and hospital staff identified four valuable services offered by OCNs: emotional support, patient advocacy, facilitation of patient-provider communication, and care coordination. While patients and most physicians felt that OCNs had an overwhelmingly positive impact, nurses felt their effort would be better directed toward traditional nursing tasks. Conclusions Many barriers to maternity care exist for Indigenous mothers in Guatemala. OCNs can improve mothers’ experiences in public hospitals and reduce limitations faced by providers. However, broader buy-in from hospital staff—especially nurses—appears critical to program success. Future research should focus on measuring the impact of obstetric care navigation on key clinical outcomes (cesarean delivery) and mothers’ future care seeking behavior.

When do job insecure employees adapt to change?

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristi N. Lavigne ◽  
Victoria L. Whitaker ◽  
Dustin K. Jundt ◽  
Mindy K. Shoss
Keyword(s):  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Adaptive Performance ◽  
Work Behaviors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Tasks ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between job insecurity and adaptive performance (AP), contingent on changes to core work tasks, which we position as a situational cue to employees regarding important work behaviors. Design/methodology/approach Employees and their supervisors were invited to participate in the study. Supervisors were asked to provide ratings of employees’ AP and changes to core tasks; employees reported on job insecurity. Findings As predicted, changes to core tasks moderated the relationship between job insecurity and AP. Job insecurity was negatively related to AP for those experiencing low levels of change, but was not related to AP for those experiencing high levels of change. Counter to expectations, no main effect of job insecurity was found. Research limitations/implications This study employed a fairly small sample of workers from two organizations, which could limit generalizability. Practical implications The study identifies changes to core tasks as a boundary condition for the job insecurity–AP relationship. Findings suggest that organizations may not observe deleterious consequences of job insecurity on AP when changes to core tasks are high. Originality/value Few researchers have examined boundary conditions of the impact of job insecurity on AP. Furthermore, inconsistent findings regarding the link between job insecurity and AP have emerged. This study fills the gap and expands upon previous research by examining changes to core tasks as a condition under which job insecurity does not pose an issue for AP.

The impact of collaborative engagement on knowledge and performance gains in episodic collaborations

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy W. Nix ◽  
Zach G. Zacharia
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ancillary Benefits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Empirical Survey ◽  
Collaborative Engagement ◽  
Relational Outcomes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Ancillary Benefit

Purpose – Supply chains are embedded in a larger network of enterprises where firms exchange offerings, often compete for the same customers, and constantly innovate to improve their performance. In these dynamic environments, firms are increasingly dependent on the knowledge and expertise in external organizations to innovate, problem-solve, and improve performance. Firms are increasingly collaborating to exchange and pool skills and knowledge and deploy resources and capabilities not found in their own firm. This research using both structured interviews and survey data seeks to determine what are the direct benefits and the ancillary benefits of collaboration. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed methodology approach was utilized, using qualitative structured interviews leading to developing a research model and then an empirical survey of 473 participants who are involved in their respective organization's collaboration projects. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling to examine relationships between collaborative engagement, knowledge gained, operational outcomes and relational outcomes. Findings – The results of the study indicate that collaborative engagement has a direct effect on knowledge gained, operational outcomes and relational outcomes in collaboration. The ancillary benefit of collaboration is the learning that takes place leads to improved operational outcomes and relational outcomes. Research limitations/implications – In this research study all the constructs are only examined from a single perspective. This can be a limitation as it would be of greater value to collect data from all the members involved in the collaboration. Originality/value – Collaboration has been well studied in many fields but this research suggests an important ancillary benefit that needs to be considered when deciding to collaborate is the knowledge and learning that happens during a collaboration.

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