MPA Major Research Papers
Peer Coaching for Leadership Development in the Public Sector: A Case Study from Local Public Health
Date of Award
11-1-2019
Degree Type
Major Research Paper
Degree Name
Master of Public Administration
Program
Political Science
Supervisor
Lyons, Joseph
Geographical Areas
Toronto, Ontario
Abstract
Leadership development is critical for the future of public sector organizations. Its impact on employee satisfaction, collaboration and organizational performance has been well documented. But how do we best develop leadership in the public sector? Trends in the literature call for a shift to more shared, distributed approaches which argue that leadership capacity is necessary at all organizational levels, regardless of positional authority. This study will examine the efficacy of a peer coaching model at imbedding leadership capacity throughout the layers of an organizational structure. Using a case study of leadership development in local public health, this study contributes to our understanding of the effects of peer coaching on the development of staff leadership capacity in a public sector environment. Results demonstrate that the Growing Leadership Program was beneficial for both coaches and participants, and present peer coaching as a low cost, practical way to increase staff leadership capacity. Program limitations and recommendations for future versions are discussed.
Recommended Citation
MacKinnon, Tammy, "Peer Coaching for Leadership Development in the Public Sector: A Case Study from Local Public Health" (2019). MPA Major Research Papers. 229.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/lgp-mrps/229