Mount Royal University ; supporting management through leadership

Abstract

The focus of this thesis was to utilize the organizational action research process to formulate recommendations on how to develop a leadership system for managers within Mount Royal University (MRU). The following organizational action research question and sub questions guided the research: How can Mount Royal University support leadership development for individuals who are new to management roles? The sub questions were: What are the key leadership competencies? If new management roles have incorporated leadership into their practice, what would we expect to see? How will new management integrate leadership into their roles? The research data collected were from a series of focus groups with managers and senior managers. The four themes that encapsulated what is required for effective leadership development of MRU managers were, organizational understanding of leadership, leadership development, leadership community, and leadership culture. Research findings and relevant literature concluded that MRU needed a model to guide the desired leadership behaviors. Leadership behaviors require a supportive system with a flexible yet rigid leadership framework. In addition, vision, values and community would act to prepare managers for the change that leadership development required. The project recommendations reflected the need for MRU managers to explore, recreate, and define leadership. Specific leadership characteristics were identified within a competency framework. Recommendations linking leadership to MRU's Human Resources systems were made. Lastly, communities of practice and leadership resources were suggested as leadership support mechanisms for managers.