Leadership development methods and activities: content, purposes, and implementation

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majd Megheirkouni
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Action Learning ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
The Arab Spring ◽  
Development Methods

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the nature of leadership development (LD) methods adopted by companies operating in Syria by exploring the content, purpose, and the implantation of LD methods. Design/methodology/approach – Middle and top managers were asked via semi-structured interviews to describe the content, purposes, and implementation of LD practices. Findings – The findings revealed that the LD interventions are mixed between experiential learning and self and team analysis. Specifically, five major methods or activities used in Syria: action learning, coaching, feedback, rotation, and networking. These methods and activities were not only used for a specific purpose, but also for multiple purposes. Research limitations/implications – Research data were conducted during what was called the Arab Spring, which has negative implications not only on the participants, but also on the way they responded to questions. In addition, the for-profit sector was only involved in the study because of its flexibility, lack of bureaucracy, and the application of LD. Originality/value – This study is the only study that investigated LD methods and activities in Syria.

Perception of ESG criteria by mainstream investors: evidence from Tunisia

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 752-768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Souhir Khemir
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Arab Spring ◽  
Emerging Countries ◽  
Investor Behavior ◽  
Allocation Decision ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Investment Allocation ◽  
The Arab Spring ◽  
Investment Choices

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the perception of environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria by mainstream investors in an emerging financial market, that of Tunisia, country at the origin of the Arab Spring. Design/methodology/approach A series of focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted with financial professionals. Findings Despite efforts by the Tunisian state to promote CSR and ESG criteria since the outbreak of the revolution of January 14th, 2011, the results show that these criteria are fairly well known by our interlocutors. As part of an investment allocation decision, the ESG criteria are considered as secondary to financial ones. The three criteria are classified as follows according to their usefulness in the investment choices of financial professionals: corporate governance, social and environmental. Research limitations/implications In addition to the subjective nature of the data collected, this research is limited to the input of only financial professionals. It does not inform us about ESG indicators that may influence the investment decisions of financial professionals, and thus this issue deserves further reflection. Originality/value This exploratory study sheds light on a little-explored topic in Tunisia, country at the origin of the Arab Spring. It contributes to the existing literature in the areas of investor behavior toward ESG criteria and adds to the limited literature in the area of emerging countries.

The challenges of introducing internal social media – the coordinators’ roles and perceptions

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vibeke Thøis Madsen
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Daily Routines ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
Internal Social Media ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges associated with introducing internal social media (ISM) into organizations in order to help them reap the benefits of coworker communication on ISM. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on an exploratory study in ten organizations. The data were collected in semi-structured interviews with ISM coordinators in Spring 2014. Findings According to the ISM coordinators, four challenges were associated with introducing ISM: coworkers could perceive communication on ISM as not work related; coworkers might not understand the informal nature of communication on ISM, and self-censorship might stop them communicating on ISM; ISM was not considered a “natural” part of the daily routines in the organizations; and top managers mainly supported ISM in words, not in action. Research limitations/implications The study is based on the perceptions of ISM coordinators. Further research is called for to explore both coworker perceptions and actual communication on ISM. Practical implications Practitioners introducing ISM should be aware of these four challenges, and should help coworkers to make sense of communication on ISM as work-related communication among coworkers. ISM coordinators’ perceptions of their own role in relation to coworker communication on ISM make a difference. Originality/value The study provides insights into the key challenges associated with introducing ISM, as well as the role of ISM coordinators as community facilitators and sense-givers.

Managers’ unexpected view of the future

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 16-18
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
The Future ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
And Training ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Findings show that top managers do not very actively consider either leadership or leadership development (LD) when asked to consider the HR challenges of the future. In addition, when they did so, the ideas of LD were mostly traditional and individual-centered. Only a few of the informants connected LD to business needs. The comments mainly reflected ideas of heroic leadership and training. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Internationalisation strategies of emerging market firms: evidence from Sarawak, Malaysia

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaa Serwaa-Akoto Amoah ◽  
Fidella Nga Huong Tiew ◽  
Ching Seng Yap
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
Emerging Market Firms ◽  
Internationalisation Strategies

Purpose This study aims to explore the internationalisation paths and strategies adopted by firms from an emerging market and serves as a step towards examining the suitability of prevailing internationalisation theories in the context of emerging market firms. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a qualitative methodology and gathered data through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 15 top managers of internationalised firms from the East Malaysian state of Sarawak. Data were analysed thematically. Findings The results revealed that the internationalisation strategies of firms from Sarawak can be classified under three main categories: motivations and markets, modes and measures. The constraints the firms faced were important determinants of their internationalisation strategies. The internationalisation paths and strategies of the firms were also found to exhibit both similarities to and deviations from the tenets of prevailing internationalisation theories. Originality/value The study contributes knowledge to the literature of both internationalisation theories and internationalisation strategies of emerging markets, in particular, it advances Fey et al.’s (2016) Five M Framework.

Enhancing leadership skills with action learning: a promising way to improve the effectiveness of leadership development

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 13-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Belet
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Leadership Skills ◽  
Action Learning ◽  
Leadership Education ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Leadership Development Programs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Learning ◽  
Management Institutions

Purpose The paper aims to describe the use of the World Institute for Action Learning method to develop leadership skills of managers and future managers. Design/methodology/approach Brief description of the methodology of this version of action learning (AL) based on field experiences. Findings AL is an effective tool for the development of leadership skills. It proposes a new learning model, and it opens up new opportunities for future leadership development programs and management education curriculum. Originality/value This paper will be of value to organizations considering various approaches to develop the competencies of their managers, leaders and to management institutions looking for ways to improve their leadership education offerings.

Factors influencing leadership development in an uncertain environment

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 1232-1254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majd Megheirkouni
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Unstable Environment ◽  
The Arab Spring

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the factors influencing leadership development (LD). It responds to the following question: what are the factors influencing the phenomenon of LD in the Syrian context. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research method has been adopted, using face-to-face interviews with leaders in middle and top management. Findings The findings revealed that there are two types of factor influencing LD: determinant factors to LD and influencing factors on the application of LD. Research limitations/implications Research data has been conducted in an unstable environment because of what is called the Arab Spring, so data were collected only from for-profit sector companies that presented more flexibility for participation than state and non-profit sector organisations. Practical implications The paper explored two different types of factors influencing LD: factors influencing the application of LD, and factors determining LD. This helps designers of LD programmes and companies operating in Syrian context to differentiate between these two factors. Originality/value The study offers data and interpretation on factors influencing LD in a specific context on which foundation further studies in the Middle Eastern context can be developed.

scholarly journals Social accounting in the context of profound political, social and economic crisis: the case of the Arab Spring

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Al Mahameed ◽  
Ataur Belal ◽  
Florian Gebreiter ◽  
Alan Lowe
Keyword(s):  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Arab Spring ◽  
Economic Crises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Arab Region ◽  
Social Accounting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Meaning Systems ◽  
The Arab Spring

PurposeThis paper explores how social accounting operates in the context of profound political, social and economic crises. Specifically, it examines how companies constructed strategies of action to produce and organise social accounting practices under different sociopolitical and economic contexts prior to and after the Arab Spring.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on Swidler's theory of “Culture Toolkit” and 43 semi-structured interviews with 17 firms and their stakeholders in the Arab region.FindingsThe study argues that context influences social accounting practices by shaping a cultural toolkit of habits, skills and styles from which companies develop their social accounting related strategies of action. During “settled” periods, companies draw on resources to develop their social accounting practices whilst they seek knowledge and feedback on boundaries and expectations of the socio-political and economic contexts. During “unsettled” periods, companies begin to adopt highly organised meaning systems (i.e. ideologies) from which new ways and methods of social accounting practices are deployed.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the extant literature by providing insights into social accounting practices in the under-explored context of the profound political, social and economic crises that followed the Arab Spring. In addition, we introduce Swidler's Culture Toolkit theory to the accounting literature.

Authentic leadership and mindfulness development through action learning

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 296-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louis Baron
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Authentic Leadership ◽  
Action Learning ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Leadership Development Program ◽  
Learning Principles

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a three-year training program based on action learning principles with regard to its effectiveness in fostering authentic leadership (AL) and mindfulness among the participants. Design/methodology/approach – Data were obtained using a mixed-method design. Quantitative data were collected using a quasi-experimental sequential cohort design with comparison group, in which 143 participants responded to a self-evaluation questionnaire up to six times over a three-year period. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with 24 managers. Findings – The results indicate that, as participants evolved through the leadership development program, self-reports of AL and mindfulness increased significantly and linearly as determined using repeated measures ANOVA, paired t-tests, and content analysis of interviews. Practical implications – The results suggest that a leadership development program based on action learning principles can foster the development of AL and mindfulness. The core elements of action learning (i.e. working on real problems, gaining new insights in a supportive and confrontational environment of one’s peer) appear to be key to bringing about real changes in the behavior of participating managers and maximizing the chances of generating lasting effects. Originality/value – This is the first longitudinal study to demonstrate that the development of mindfulness and AL – which calls for internalization of attitudes and behaviors – can be fostered by a leadership development program. The question of whether AL can be developed through planned interventions is paramount for advancing theory and research on AL.

scholarly journals Exploring performance management in four UK trade unions

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 789-804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise Thursfield ◽  
Katy Grayley
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Trade Union ◽  
Trade Unions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Different Types

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore performance management in four UK trade unions. Specifically, the extent to which managers in the four unions accept or dismiss the unitarist, disciplinary and performative values that arguably characterise performance management practices. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research design was adopted to investigate trade union managers’ interpretations of performance management. Managers were targeted because they held the power to shape performance management practices in their specific areas. The research employed qualitative semi-structured interviews. Findings – Performance management in trade unions is linked to the structure, purpose and orientation of different types of trade union. It is also linked to the wider environmental context. The trade union managers’ interpretations of performance management are linked to disciplinary and performative values. As such they are comparable to the unitarist forms of performance management described in the literature. There are moreover, similarities and differences between the approaches to performance management between trade unions and for profit or public sector organisations. Originality/value – The paper adds to the emerging literature on internal trade union management by highlighting a particular aspect of human resource management.

Leadership behaviours and capabilities in Syria: an exploratory qualitative approach

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 636-662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majd Megheirkouni
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Skills ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Decision Making Problem ◽  
Unstable Environment ◽  
The Arab Spring

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the nature of leadership development in Syria, by answering specific research questions: what are the types of leadership behaviours and capabilities adopted by companies operating in Syria? And why are they adopted? Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative research method has been adopted to achieve the aim of this study. Findings – The findings revealed that the leadership behaviours and capabilities required for business environment in Syria include strategic thinking, business skills, communication, understanding the whole, ability to change, teamwork, self-awareness, decision making/problem solving, and adaptability. Research limitations/implications – Research data has been collected in an unstable environment because of what was called the Arab Spring, so this affected not only the participants, but also how they respond to each question. Additionally, only the for-profit sector was involved in the study because of its flexibility, lack of bureaucracy, and application of leadership development. Practical implications – The paper explores the major leadership behaviours and capabilities utilised and their purposes, as well as more broadly for designers who are attempting to develop leadership in the Syrian context. Originality/value – The study offers data and interpretation of a specific non-Western context on which foundation further studies in the Middle Eastern context can be developed.

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