Month: November 2018

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Unit 10 Blog

Part A

The following questions are answered after viewing the YouTube video, Battling bad science (Goldcare, 2011).

How can I know that I can trust what I am reading?

In the YouTube video, Battling bad science (Goldcare, 2011), Goldcare states “real science is all about critically appraising the evidence of somebody else’s position”. I believe what he means by this is that as a consumer of research we need to be a healthy skeptic. In LDRS 591, at Trinity Western University, we have learned about tools to evaluate what might be constituted as good research. In Understanding Research: A consumer’s guide (Plano-Clark & Creswell, 2015), the class was introduced to various tables, as tools to review and critique qualitative research, quantitative research and mixed research for example. I believe moving forward these tools can be helpful as move progress with our academic goals in not only reviewing literature but also potentially writing literature ourselves.

How do I know the research has been performed competently?

As suggested in the course LDRS 591, Trinity Western University, when searching for literature, as students we were advised to check only peer-reviewed or scholarly literature and to check these boxes when performing an online search. Researchers have the opportunity to disseminate their work when their paper is defended and published or potentially at a conference. Articles submitted to journals are typically reviewed by peers or other experts in the field.

How do I know the research is reported honestly?

Not all journals hold the same level of credibility as others and so knowing which ones hold higher standards is important. Also knowing whom the author is will provide clues as to the honesty of the report. Researchers that provide details of how their research was collected, controls that were in place and any gaps in their research will also further demonstrate the honesty of the paper.

How do I know the findings presented are consistent with what other researchers would conclude?

Quality research often builds on research that is already known however answers a question that requires more clarification. In a good research paper there will be a great deal of back matter indicating what research the current paper is expanding upon. Methods used to collect quantitative data or qualitative data will also be based on previous success and academically accepted methods. In the conclusion section, flaws of the research and suggested further research is cited.

References

Goldcare, B. (2011, July). Battling bad science. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/ben_goldacre_battling_bad_science

Plano-Clark, V., & Creswell, J. (2015). Understanding research: A consumer’s guide (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Part B

In my organization of Seyem’ Qwantlen I optimally try to do my best and serve as a transformational servant leader. My cultural teachers have shared with me that being a leader of people is not something that should be taken for granted and is something that should be respected.

I am guided by the seven laws, which are health, happiness, humbleness, generosity, generations, understanding and forgiveness. I try my best to be the healthiest I can be so I can perform optimally. I also encourage healthy activities with staff such as lunch time walks or group building activities such as tobogganing. We leave a cedar basket at the entrance to our building so that when we walk through the door, all negative energies are placed there. It’s up to me as a leader to do my best to continue to create a positive work environment, thus ensuring the happiness of others I serve. In being a humble leader, I need to base my decision making on the most informed evidence available and not based on my ego. Sometimes these decisions may come from the staff and it’s up to me to support them. If we can’t come to a conclusion I need to demonstrate how to go about finding the answers in a collaborative way. If I share with staff, non-evidence based information I know their confidence in me as a leader will be lost. If I make a mistake I own it and look for ways the organization can learn so we can ultimately become stronger. I am generous with my time with staff so that I can help them in achieving their goals. I know I must continue to learn new ways to lead my staff as well as utilize evidence-based research to know what is trending and what works. I respect the generations working at my organization and know that with each, I’m the one that needs to adapt and not them. We all serve the purpose of making life easier for our elders and for future generations, including those not born yet, as we look ahead to the next 7. Understanding is about knowing that each of my staff has come to work for Seyem’ Qwantlen, walking a different path. With that, their evidence-based decision making may differ from my own at times. I know though that with understanding we can work together to solve any problem. I also know now about where to find credible research in considering very complex problems. Finally, forgiveness is about allowing staff to make mistakes and having the confidence to know they will learn from them.

I serve a community healing from intergenerational trauma, the effects of residential schools and colonization. Through my actions as a Transformational Servant leader, perhaps this is where my greatest feat will be. I know I must lead my community and organization and despite what the past has brought us, show that we can forgive, no matter what life has thrown us. Kwantlen has been around since time immemorial and we will continue to be around in the future. It is because of the 7 laws of life that we have existed as long as we have. To me this is the greatest, most impactful evidence based decision making model I have ever known. The laws are my guide and my mantra, which happens to align with the definition of a Transformational Servant leader.

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Response to fellow student’s questions

Wonderful question Rob!

Learning Activity 9.3 Reflection on Conclusions

“One of the greatest parts of research is the ability to make a hypothesis and find out that your predictions were wrong. When we make mistakes we learn more than if our predictions were right. Do you as a reader judge a researcher negativity if their results are unexpected? Does fell like it provides more or less validity to their conclusion?”

I would like to think that those accessing research have a broader mindset and equally understand the importance of learning when the predictions are wrong. Logically speaking and applying to daily life, I think we naturally do this with raising children. Parents continually adapt and try something new when a parenting technique is not working.  If it fails we adjust. I do think when there is a group of researchers it is likely that they all won’t agree at the beginning but must find a way to reach consensus on their hypothesis. I suspect that initial thoughts will find their way into the research. For the educated reader I like to think those understanding what research is about, will not find it all that surprizing to learn not all predictions will come true.  I think the opposite might occur where it will garner respect as the researcher was truthful and trustworthy. The information presented could therefor be viewed as even more credible.

 

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Week 9 Blog

Part A

What are the similarities and differences in the discussion/conclusion section of a qualitative and quantitative research report?

Similarities:

  • Includes implications and suggestions for practice
  • Limitations of the study
  • Suggestions for future research
  • Overall significance of the study

Differences:

  • In a quantitative research report the summary includes results organized by research questions or hypothesis while a qualitative study include results of major findings which are organized by themes.
  • In a quantitative research report the summary includes results in terms of predictions and or prior studies while a qualitative study include a comparison of findings within existing studies.
  • Only in a qualitative study will you find personal reflections about the study.

Part B

Research Quality rating for article called, An examination of emotional intelligence as an antecedent of servant leadership (Barbuto, Gottfredson & Searle, 2014).

  1. The major results are identified and summarized – Rating 3 – Emotional intelligence was related to servant leadership and in particular in the leader-reported results. For the follower-reported results the results were less significant however the researchers provided a number of possible reasons why with this particular study group, the outcome may have been influenced. This study utilized public servants and the researchers suggested the outcome may have been influenced by political leaders feeling influenced in behaviors in order to stay in office. The researchers therefore suggested that additional studies be conducted in the private sector.
  2. The results are thoughtfully examined in relation to the literature and personal reflections – Rating 3 – The major results are summarized in tables as well as results section.
  3. Appropriate implications of the results for practice are identified and justified
    Rating 3 – The results of the practice are identified and justified. The quantitative study clearly demonstrates that emotional intelligence is an antecedent for servant leader ideology however not a predictor of servant leader behaviors with followers.
  4. Thoughtful critiques of the study’s limitations are provided and appropriate for the research approach – Rating 3 – The critique of the studies limitations are well thought out. Further research is suggested in the public sector as well as larger groups of followers surveyed may have an effect on the results.
  5. Suitable implications of the result for future research are identified and justified – Rating 3 – The results of the practice are identified and justified. The quantitative study clearly demonstrates that emotional intelligence is an antecedent for servant leader ideology however not a predictor of servant leader behaviors with followers.
  6. The interpretations are consistent with the study – Rating 3 – The researcher acknowledge that much is still needed to learn on servant leadership and if emotional intelligence is an antecedent to servant leadership. In the conclusion the researchers indicate that this particular study may be the only one, indicating that the research does require much more studies, including in the private sector.
  7. The back matter is appropriate for the study report – Rating 3 – The researchers did an excellent job with back references and in utilizing previous research methods. The list of references were complete and organized in an APA format.

The overall score is 21/21 indicating a high quality research report.

Part C

  1. As a consumer of research reports what were the most important aspects you need to consider in the discussion/conclusion section of a high-quality research report?

As a consumer of research reports, the most important aspects that should be considered in the discussion/conclusion section of a high-quality research report is a summary of major findings from the research, recommended next steps, limitations of the research, how the research can be applied practically as well as references and other back matter.

  1. Are there any elements of this section that you still have questions about or finding confusing?

My question is regarding the listing of a glossary. I see in some research papers quite extensive lists of glossary terms. Are glossaries becoming more important with a global economy? My hunch is they can be quite helpful so as not to misunderstand the intention or confuse terms. Do you think glossaries will become more of a standard in research papers?

  1. How can you apply this knowledge to your work context or current leadership experience?

The learning in week 9 is relevant to my current role at Seyem’ Qwantlen Business Group, where I am required to attend community meetings and provide information to the elders, land code committee and membership. Issues such as rights and title, purchase of lands and where to focus business investments require a great deal of thought and consideration. If I were to present information that is not well thought out, it would not instill confidence in the community and in my decision making ability. Utilizing the tools and approaches of scholarly research removes ambiguity and provides a scientific based approach to drawing conclusions. I’ve also learned that there is already a great deal of information or literature available to help in making informed decisions. Conclusions must be drawn from past scholarly research and any new information should be backed up and justified. Without doing so, and instead drawing conclusions based on opinions, can have effects on my community’s future success and on future generations. It would also effect the perceptions of the community on my ability to function as a servant leader.

In closing, I invite comments regarding my question above, with respect to a glossary. Do you find glossaries in research papers helpful in creating clarity and understanding, particularly with a global economy ?

References

Barbuto, J. E., Gottfredson, R. K., & Searle, T. P. (2014). An examination of emotional intelligence as an antecedent of servant leadership. Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies, 21(3), 315-323.

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Unit 8 Peer review

This blog is a peer review of a proposed Action research project by my fellow student, Emmanuel Denguessi, Trinity Western University MA Leadership candidate.

ESL leader’s professional ascension

The proposed project is to create an inviting environment for professional development for leaders with English as a second language, particularly for first generation. Minority representation in leadership positions in Canada, is a real problem that exists today. Mr. Denguessi suggested and provided some reflection about the problem. He indicated that in order to overcome this barrier that some new Canadians attend school or upgrade language, which occasionally results in employment opportunities. Many immigrants however reach a glass ceiling, as they have difficulty with presentations or defending positions and as a result are unable to realize a promotion.

Mr. Denguessi provides a clear Action plan that will prepare ESL learners. He suggests using a qualitative study, to determine what role language plays in staff developments. He also suggests to consider what role the organization could play to encourage ESL professional ascension. In doing so, Mr. Denguessi will utilize the TWU library to access articles on ESL leadership and search for topics such as improving language across cultural communication. To keep his scope relevant he suggests to research Canada and English only with a date range of 2015-2018. Also as part of his research he suggests asking upper managers for their experiences working with people with English as a second language. He will also ask the input of the organization to determine what steps the organization can take, to increase the number of leaders from other countries. Mr. Denguessi plans to utilize an audio recording device with informed consent. He will obtain the necessary organization permissions and keep responses confidential. Upon completion of Mr. Denguessi’s Action research, he intends to provide a graph to make sense of findings as well as involve colleagues and collaborate with Human Resources. He will also invite the executive to monitor and evaluate.

I believe that Mr. Denguessi’s research is important and will make a difference to lives of all Canadians. Different perspectives brings innovation as well as new points of view. In a recent study provided by Minerva, it will take 170 years before the number of woman equals the number of men in leadership positions. I suspect the same or similar result for persons with English as a second language.

Evaluation of by using the evaluation criteria for an action research study outlined by Plano-Clark and Creswell on page 444-445.

  1. The Research focuses on a real problem in practice or the local community – Rating 3 – Minority led organizations is not high and so creating an action research project aimed at assisting new immigrants to achieve leadership positions is a great topic.
  2. The researcher is a practitioner and/or collaborates with community members – Rating 2 – M. Denguessi suggested to collaborate with a local organization and to involve Human Resources, as well as a the executive team. My suggestion is that sometimes approaching organizations might not result in proper supports as they are already stretched thin. You often need someone internal that is willing to champion the project or a researcher may become frustrated. I’d like to suggest working with an organization that supports immigrants and recognizes companies for doing a good job. For example I mentioned earlier Minerva, a woman led group aimed at increasing leadership positions in executive roles. This group is recognizable and highly effective. They also track statistics so that organizations can set targets for improvement. Annually there is a recognition event and progressive organizations receive an award and are mentioned in the media for their achievements.
  3. The research process includes careful reflection about the problem – Rating 3 – Mr. Denguessi provided information about the problem and why it is a barrier for new immigrants with English as a second language.
  4. Multiple sources of good information are used – Rating 1 – Mr. Denguessi did presented a knowledgeable and convincing action research project. Perhaps additional sources could be mentioned to support his research. Given the timeline of this course however I’m sure Mr. Denguessi did not have the time to dedicate to provide sources. Like many of his fellow students, the action research proposal is based on real life experiences that can be collaborated with popular media.
  5. Denguessi lists a fairly good action plan for his research – Rating 2 – Again as mentioned I believe involving an organization that already champions leadership for minorities or perhaps speaking with the local Chamber of commerce. I would also suggest at the start of the project and with whatever organization he is working with, to have the current Executive team sign a Project Charter to demonstrate to staff the importance of the project. This will go a long way in obtaining buy in.
  6. The study utilized a good action research process – Rating 3 – for the timeline of this task, Mr. Denguessi came up with a good action research process.
  7. The study results in meaningful actions to address the problem – Rating 3 – Mr. Denguessi suggests providing graphs at the end of his study. I do believe that statistics are important in obtaining executive buy in. Given workloads it is a great way to paint a picture of current trends and also allows the executive to set targets.

Overall score 17/21, a high quality action research study proposal.

Plano-Clark, V., & Creswell, J. (2015). Understanding research: A consumer’s guide (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

 

 

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Unit 8 Podcast

For this proposed action research study, I would like to share with you the concerns of indigenous procurement policies as they sit today. This is an important issue effecting government, tax payers and thus citizens of British Columbia and First Nations.

Please note, for this podcast, I am experiencing technical difficulties. Please listen on the “Anchor” app and search for “The state of indigenous procurement in BC”. In the meantime I will continue to search for a solution to embed the podcast on this blog.  Or please copy and paste the following but remove the quotations…

“https://anchor.fm/kwantlen-brenda/episodes/The-state-of-indigenous-procurement-in-British-Columbia-e2hprl”

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Unit 7 Response to Post

Response to Achsah’s Spring weekly blog

I believe in all professions to a certain extent we used mixed methods in the workplace. In my past work experience and education, I was trained on best practices for management, human resources, finance, etc. in operating a successful business. Many of these best practices have been studied though qualitative research that directly ties in the financial success of organizations. Since coming home to my indigenous community I have been exposed to traditional knowledge which has broadened my thinking. At first I was very skeptical but then as I opened my mind, more and more I became flexible and realized the merit these teaching have in a leadership role. I believe this is where qualitative research can be very helpful in understanding emerging trends and or looking back on traditional knowledge which may previously been discounted.  In my case as a leader I do rely on my academic teachings but have also blended my traditional teachings where it makes sense. For today’s work environment this works well, particularly as a transformational servant leadership style seems to be on the up-rise. Indigenous traditional teachings remind us that everyone has a gift and that not one person is more important than another. Leadership is not a given, the people will chose to follow a leader. If I followed best practices only through quantitative studies then instead I believe I would not be as effective of a leader in today’s business world. In searching for mixed method research that takes into account both quantitative and qualitative research, there is little available, particularly on the topic of indigenous leadership. Instinctively though, I believe in practice we all utilize what works from our own personal experiences. This is what allows us as humans to grow and as leaders achieve continuous improvement.

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Unit 7

Part A

What is at the heart of the quantitative/qualitative debate?

Quantitative research is a numerical process to understand a research question while qualitative research is investigating personal experiences to gain a better understanding of a problem. Both when done by applying a scientific approach, ensure biases do not come into play. The research question will help determine which type of study is better suited. In recent years mixed methods have been combined to gain an even greater understanding of the problem. Appropriate methods in conducting mixed method research papers are now available and widely accepted amongst the scholarly community. The argument that now exists is if quantitative research or qualitative research on its own provides a comprehensive understanding of a problem and or if combined provide a more complete picture.

Do you think mixed-methods research can provide a more complete picture for leadership studies? 

I believe that yes mixed methods of research can provide a more complete picture for leadership studies. For example in my own experience, both the economy and capacity building are equally important to First Nation communities and so in understanding the best leadership style to promote this type of environment, it is clear that a mixed method research paper would provide a greater understanding. Quantitative data on indigenous leadership could be measured by exploring the financial success of an indigenous community and how this relates to leadership styles. Qualitative data on indigenous leadership could be measured by focus groups targeting the answers such as how has past traditional teachings been utilized by leadership, what are the investments in training that are seen as valued, how does a community best build capacity and what is the community doing to help people that are disadvantaged. Organizations are complex and have often more than one goal or strategic mandate and therefore, this is where I believe mixed methods are beneficial to leadership studies.

Part B

Evaluating the use of mixed method approach in the article called Achieving High Organizational Performance through Servant Leadership (Melchar & Bosco, 2010)

  1. The rationale for needing mixed methods of research is appropriate and justified – Rating 3 – the researchers determined that qualitative interviews were necessary prior to proceeding with a quantitative questionnaire, …in order to determine whether there were main themes that reflected the senior leader’s “servant leader” orientation (Melchar & Bosco, 2010, p. 80).
  2. The choice of the mixed methods design is appropriate and justified – Rating 3 – the researchers describe how qualitative interviews are researched as well as the results of the surveys, how the surveys were interpreted and what method was used to interpret the surveys.
  3. The quantitative methods are of good quality based on the standards of quantitative research – Rating 3 – while the sample size was somewhat small, the researchers indicated in their conclusion that …the coefficient alphas were consistent with those in the Barbuto and Wheeler (2006) study. Good statistical analytic procedures were used and described in the reference paper.
  4. The qualitative methods are of good quality based on the standards of qualitative research – Rating 3 – the qualitative method and results were shared in a table. These results were consistent with former research in evaluating traits of servant leaders. There researchers goals were to confirm that the leadership had traits of servant leadership.
  5. The quantitative and qualitative components of the study are meaningfully mixed – Rating 3 – If the researchers did not conduct qualitative research prior to the quantitative research, the results of the quantitative research may have been questioned.
  6. The study used rigorous application of mixed methods research to address the purpose – Rating 3 – the research paper purpose was to investigate …whether a servant leader can develop a corporate culture that attracts tor develops other servant leaders (Melchar & Bosco, 2010, P. 74). The qualitative data was used to confirm servant leadership management style as opposed to other types of leadership styles. Once confirmed the organization did possess a servant leadership style the quantitative data sought to understand if the servant leader developed and attracted other servant leaders.
  7. The use of mixed methods produced a good understanding of the research purpose – Rating 3 – the researchers did provide serval complete and valid in-depth answers to the study’s research question.

Overall score 21/21 indicating a high quality research paper.

Part C

Describe an example of a Transformational Servant Leader in your life.

In my indigenous community I have many examples of transformational servant leaders. As a group I would describe the elders as transformational servant leaders. Our elders form part of our government and guide us in business activities. They heavily influence and support change in the community for future generations. Many of these elders have experienced inter-generational trauma and in their lifetime will never likely see the results of their work in instilling change in the community. The elders support the youth in education, mentorship, family life and remind younger generations about the importance of taking care of others and mother earth. They remind us to use our traditional teachings such as following the 7 laws of life – health, happiness, humbleness, generations, generosity, forgiveness and understanding. These laws help guide our business group in making important decisions for the future our community. They put others needs above their own and are impacting important change for my community.

How would you use a mixed methods approach to study servant leadership?

I would utilize a mixed method approach in studying servant leadership through an exploratory sequential design. Relative to my workplace, and in evaluating servant leadership in an indigenous setting, quantitative data could be utilized to evaluate servant leadership through data that could be collected, evaluating past successes of indigenous organizations. Qualitative data however is also important in understanding the future of servant leadership and its role in indigenous communities. There is an emergence of traditional teachings that align with servant leadership however since much of indigenous culture teachings were not shared or spoken of amongst generations, there has been a gap in information. As culture teachers become more readily available and accepted in communities, so does the concept of servant leadership become accepted as a best model for leadership.

In past research, quantitative research has been held in higher regard than qualitative research in terms of its ability to provide more perceived credible results. Do you think a mixed method approach provides more validity to the importance also of qualitative research and its findings?

References

Barbuto, J. e., and D.W. Wheeler. 2006. “Scale Development and construct Clarification of Servant Leadership.” Group & Organization Management, 31(3): 300-326.

 

Melchar, D. E., & Bosco, S. M. (2010). Achieving high organization performance through servant leadership. Journal of Business Inquiry, 9(1), 774-88.