Category: Ethical Business Leadership

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.

 

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.

 

 

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.

ACHSAHS-SPRINGS  I think you ask a very important question that can benefit the rest of the students. First I applaud your humble response. You made me feel much better as I too have been experiencing the same level of difficulty in keeping up with personal demands and school. I would like to send you prayers and positive thoughts to keep going forward. You’ve accomplished so much thus far and the reward will be worth it.

Now moving back to addressing your question. I’m not sure if my response will be helpful but I will do my best to respond. I see you are looking to have the following questions answered: Do you have a mental method, or another method of following all of the concepts and hypotheses being introduced?

In thinking about your question I can relate a personal experience that helps me. I’m not sure however if this will be helpful in your circumstance. In my experience I have more exposure to qualitative research as opposed to quantitative when it comes to my work or school experiences. I feel like informally in life, though we are exposed to both qualitative and quantitative research if we look closely. For example, I mentioned that in my work and school interests I have experience in more qualitative research. At home however I have a child with a disability that is in a program that is dependent on data or quantitative research. When I’m finding a topic difficult to understand or foreign, I try and put it in the context of what I do know in order to make sense of it all. It also helps me to stay focused by engaging my own personal thoughts. I find if I can relate the material  to a personal experience I will also be more likely to remember the material. I won’t lie it does require my extra care and attention and can be frustrating at times. Unfortunately though, like in life there are times when we have to learn and understand the material. I believe we all have gifts in life where our strengths and weaknesses will shine through. Just because it is a weakness though doesn’t mean we are incapable.

Best of luck ACHSAHS-SPRINGS with your continued learning.

 

Being a lifelong learner in developing critical thinking skills is important and a strength seen in lifetime learners. In the blog Rank-Talk-Write, Archasahs-Springs (May 18, 2018) discusses the idea that in order to be a critical thinker, there is an intelligence to practice (Source: Unit 3 notes). In Coast Salish culture there is no such  word traditionally called Chief. This is a western term imposed on our culture and a way to control communities. Instead we called the leaders of our communities a Seyem. It wasn’t one person that lead communities but there were multiple Seyem’s. These Seyem’s were generally elders in the communities that were life long learners with excellent critical thinking ability. They departed wisdom which often meant the survival of our people. In today’s context, I truly believe there is a need to practice and one day as an elder (hopefully also recognized as a traditional Seyem), depart my learning to future generations.

In the summary sentence #3 Archasahs – Springs (May 18, 2018 chooses there is a responsibility to learn and gain knowledge for the benefit of those I lead (source: nit 3 notes, adapted from Chong 2015) and this will require effort. This section really spoke to me as a leader in my indigenous community. In my office I look at the headstart kids whom one day may come to work for their communities business group. I feel a great sense of responsibility in not letting them or any community members down. I also worry as our elders age as I want them in their lifetime to see better days and know our community will be ok. I feel it is my duty to be the best I can be and accomplish as much as possible in my tenor as a leader in my community. At the same time on a more personal level I want my mom to feel proud to be indigenous and to watch her daughter succeed as well as my daughter to know that anything can be achieved if you put your mind to it. This is why I am back in school as a mature student. I absolutely love how proud my mom is and how neat my daughter thinks it is that I have homework. I know at the same time it’s hard work and do not take that for granted for one second. At the end of the day I know it will all be very rewarding once complete.

 

I utilized Anchor to add a link to my blog that features a voice recording. It was very simple to use. In future I can see the importance of scripting in advance. As at toastmasters they would say it helps to eliminate the awkward “ahs, ums & ands” in the sentence. I think this is a great way to engage listeners and open up your audience to a wider group.

The majority of the information, if not all information on the web about me is work related. There are numerous photos and information about events such as a business award my company was awarded by the BC Economic Development Association pictured below.

https://anchor.fm/kwantlen-brenda/episodes/ep-e1eijs

Another example is from a land development in Fort Langley which recently received a lot of media attention.

There is also information about a web app that my company developed.

As my last name is Fernie, the town of Fernie is often associated with links under my name as you move further down the list. As well as photos of colleges that I work with.

I would say it is obvious for anyone that reads my profile that I work with indigenous people in economic development. I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by some pretty good teachers which has kept my online profile looking positive.

The task was to complete a series of pictures in 15 minutes. The pressure was certainly on to be creative in such a short span. I selected items from my office to complete the task. I chose this place as it happened to be the most convenient place at the moment and lots of interesting objects. The most curious photo to me is the dried tobacco leaf as it symbolizes negative on one hand however in my culture dried tobacco is used as a sign of respect and offered to an elder for sharing their knowledge. The disappointing thing about the exercise was using my phone camera and when emailing to upload I lost a great deal of quality. Of course the angle of the cedar hat actually made the photo turn out and look unique. Its an interesting object and so made for an great photo!