MA Leadership
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Item Applying a Two-Eyed Seeing Approach to Embody and Demonstrate Reconciliation in the Recreation and Parks Sector(2024) Kaufman, Julie; Lickers, MichaelThis action-oriented research, conducted in partnership with the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) and alongside community services staff from Squamish First Nation, examined the question: How might BCRPA embody and demonstrate reconciliation in the recreation and parks sector? A Squamish First Nation Elder was consulted to ensure protocols were followed and the research adhered to all Royal Roads University research ethics requirements. A Two-Eyed Seeing approach was applied throughout the research to showcase both Indigenous and Western worldviews. Participants, who took part in the focus group, sharing circle, and semi-structured interviews, shared insights and personal experiences. The inquiry findings and recommendations identify the current state of reconciliation in recreation and parks services, the ideal state of reconciliation in recreation and parks services, tools and resources needed to support reconciliation in recreation and parks services, and challenges to overcome throughout this change process all within the Metro Vancouver region.Item Being Superconnected: A First-Person Inquiry into the Influence of the Embodied Principles of Aikido on the Practice of Leading Self(2024) Qureshi, April, Ria; WALINGA, JENNIFERThis study focused on the influence of the embodied philosophy and principles of aikido on the practice of leading self. Inspired by the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, who noted the aim of aikido “is to carry the training into everyday life. If it stops with technique, it has no real value” (Saotome, 1993, p. 237), this inquiry explored the value of aikido beyond a martial art and in the context of leadership development. Through first-person action research methodology involving journaling and meditation, focus group discussions with two feedback partners, and semi-structured interviews with two subject matter experts, key findings revealed relational principles of connection between self, people, place, path, and instances of unhooking, which interconnected with the emergent themes of embodied practices of leading. This research adhered to Royal Roads University ethics requirements and advances people’s understanding of embodied knowing and contributes recommendations for the practice of embodied leading.Item Cocreating Empowered Leadership Outcomes with Former Youth in Care in British Columbia(2024) Sort, Kaeli, Rose; Holmes, Shawn, YFormer youth in care (FYiC) face unique challenges and disproportionate rates of suicide, trafficking, homelessness, and poor employment outcomes. While the British Columbian government recently expanded support to FYiC to 27 years of age, this research shows FYiC participants ages 30–45 years continue to suffer significant and chronic traumas. Using community-based participatory action research, this thesis explored the inquiry question: How might we learn from the experiences of FYiC to influence equitable policies in leadership? Participants took part in a survey, interviews, and a group discussion. The recommendations are to involve FYiC in the decisions that affect them, create a list of trauma-informed leadership practices to enhance decision making and risk mitigation, leverage and celebrate the talents of FYiC, provide resources that empower FYiC to advance their personal circumstances, and invest in feedback mechanisms to support the implementation of policies that better meet FYiC’s unique needs, goals, and circumstances.Item Employee Retention in the BC Wildfire Service(2024) McQuade, Kelly, Bridget; Pozzobon, TammyMy research focused on understanding factors that impact employee retention in the British Columbia Wildfire Service (BCWS) and devising action items, guided by the research question: “How might the BC Wildfire Service improve employee retention?” With adherence to the Royal Roads University Research Ethics Policy, I conducted participatory action research from an appreciative lens utilizing an action research engagement model. From a participant pool of approximately 2,000 employees in BCWS, I engaged with 10 participants in one-on-one interviews, and six of those participants in a design thinking exercise. Key findings and recommendations included enhancing connection between employees, revamping training, improving safety culture, increasing predictability in work scheduling, and improving pay and financial compensation.Item Cultivating Hope: Cocreating a Positive Future on the Frontlines of Healthcare for Port Hardy Hospital(2024) Kashty, Arianna; Cady, PhilThis action-oriented inquiry explored how healthcare workers could create a positive environment on the frontlines of care and contend with the ideological concept of systemic demoralization. Through in-depth appreciative inquiry-based interviews, six frontline healthcare workers shared their hopes, experiences, and ideas for the future of healthcare in the rural and isolated town of Port Hardy. This inquiry adhered to Royal Roads University requirements and received organizational approval via an operational review. The findings indicate that while frontline healthcare workers are experiencing empathetic distress, organizational changes can improve their experiences and create a more positive environment. The recommendations put forward support these changes and are the result of participants’ recommendations and are supported by local and senior leadership.