- Title
- The effectiveness of action learning in developing first-line leadership competence at basf South Africa
- Creator
- White, Bradley Lewis
- Subject
- Leaderrship
- Subject
- Action learning --South Africa
- Date Issued
- 2023-04
- Date
- 2023-04
- Type
- Master's theses
- Type
- text
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63170
- Identifier
- vital:73192
- Description
- As the researcher believes leaders and leadership to be products of both nature and nurture, this phenomenological study was focused on the use and effectiveness of action learning methodology to develop first-line leadership competence. This study aimed to understand the training and developmental experiences of first-line managers during a leadership development programme using an action learning approach. The main research question: “How effective is action learning in developing first-line leadership competence at BASF South Africa”, was supported by five secondary research questions focused on the KASH-in-Transit Leadership Programme and the extent that participants, mentors and departmental managers perceived that action learning developed the leadership competencies of participants, and specifically leadership competence aligned to the BASF Global Competency Model. It also focused on the factors, elements or conditions in the KASH-in-Transit Leadership Programme that were effective and/or ineffective in developing these leadership competencies. Using these research questions as a guide, the current study posed open-ended interview questions that explored participants’ experiences in developing competencies aligned to the BASF global competency framework. The theoretical framework for the study was guided by the constructs of adult learning, action learning and leadership development as well as the link between learning, action learning and leadership development. Data was collected from 15 participants (12 coater drivers, 2 mentors and 1 manager) through the use of observations, action learning sessions and semi-structured interviews, with the interviews transcribed and then analysed using Atlas.ti qualitative analysis software. The information collected and succeeding analysis may help the development of future leaders within BASF South Africa as well as help close the gap in the literature on action learning as a leadership development tool. Action learning as a modern-day approach is capable of developing leadership at multiple levels and contexts, building collaborative partnerships and networks that aid in organisational development. The research findings led to the development of five themes surrounding the phenomenon of action learning as a means to develop first-line leadership competence: (1) Learning transfer has internal and external levers, (2) viii 70 + 20 + 10 = leader and leadership competence, (3) Facilitator and Mentor are catalysts for action AND learning, (4) Leadership development is built with connections and stumbling blocks, and (5) Development is part of succession. Individuals were challenged through exposure to real-world practices while being supported by a facilitation and mentoring system that offered critical, constructive feedback. The objective was to create career experiences and establish environmental influences that will stimulate developmental growth while facilitating an individual’s ability to learn from experience.
- Description
- Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Format
- computer
- Format
- online resource
- Format
- application/pdf
- Format
- 1 online resource (Xxv, 214 pages)
- Format
- Publisher
- Nelson Mandela University
- Publisher
- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences
- Language
- English
- Rights
- Nelson Mandela University
- Rights
- All Rights Reserved
- Rights
- Open Access
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Collections
NMU Business School
| Thumbnail | File | Description | Size | Format | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| View Details Download | SOURCE1 | WHITE, BL .pdf | 7 MB | Adobe Acrobat PDF | View Details Download |