CILECT Community : an action research engagement approach to weaving collective narratives into the future

Abstract

This action-oriented research project involved members of the Centre International de Liaison des Écoles de Cinéma et de Télévision (CILECT) in an appreciative informed inquiry of the organization’s ecology and ideation on innovative collective leadership possibilities needed to successfully navigate, and learn from, major influences such as the global pandemic. Participants included 56 delegates of CILECT, representing 180 affiliated member institutions from 65 countries on six continents. Survey, focus group, and liberating structure methodologies were used to engage participants in the sharing of lived experiences, the co- creation of a shared vision for the organization including distributed leadership, and application of insights to advance CILECT’s role as a global film and media association within today’s radically changing landscape. Thematic analysis of participant insights suggested opportunities for member leadership at all points of the organizational hierarchy, in areas such as global network engagement, communication and information distribution, and navigating the ambiguity of today’s global environment. Findings are discussed with regard to their potential to support CILECT through its journey as a learning organization and in its application of adaptive leadership as a means by which to prepare for, and succeed within, our new 21st century realities.