Research & Evaluation Abstract 2021

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engaging in the study. Participants in roles traditionally considered leadership

roles were more likely to have had awareness of the strategy prior to the study.

The findings also demonstrated a difference in levels of awareness across

Programmes of Care. The study identified 5 participants (26.3% of those who

answered the question) having engaged in any training in respect of collective

styles of leadership with 8 participants (44.5% of those who answered the

question) reporting their current knowledge of collective leadership as limited or

very limited.

A variety of positive and negative experiences of collective leadership were

highlighted within the data while the study also identified a number of challenges

and opportunities for collective styles of leadership resulting from the Covid-19

pandemic.

Conclusions and Recommendations

While a small study, this service evaluation provides an evidence base in respect

of collective styles of leadership within Social Work in Northern Ireland, essential

to inform future leadership education plans (Duygulu and Kublay, 2011). While

there is evidence of positive experiences of collective styles of leadership, the

findings indicate that there is still work to be done. Further work is required to

enhance levels of awareness of the collective leadership strategy, understanding

of the concept of collective leadership and the values associated with it

alongside responsibilities on the parts of both individuals and organisations in

the aim of embedding a culture of collective leadership within the profession.

The study highlights that the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in greater

organisational complexity requiring organisations to take a more collective

approach to leadership (Dewey et al., 2020). Further regional research in respect

of how collective leadership is embedding within Social Work across Northern

Ireland would be of benefit.

Name of researcher

Jillian Morris

Organisation South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust

Contact Details