Date of Submission

7-31-2023

Document Type

DiP

Degree

Doctor of Education

Department

Education

Keywords

adaptive leadership, change path model, Indigenization, oil and gas, self-determination, servant leadership

Abstract

This document is an organizational improvement plan (OIP), that examines a government oil and gas agency (Eagle Oil and Gas Canada, [Eagle]) located in Alberta, Canada, whose mandate is to steward oil and gas resources on behalf of its First Nation clients. First Nation peoples are one of three groups of Indigenous Peoples in Canada the other two groups being the Inuit and Métis nations. Within this OIP, First Nations and Indigenous terms are used interchangeably. The problem of practice (PoP) at Eagle is the lack of First Nations’ engagement in the full life cycle management of oil and gas resource extraction on First Nations lands across Canada. The OIP provides a plan for Indigenization and decolonization for First Nations to regain control over the natural resources on their lands and addresses three of the actions from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) reports. A methodical organizational analysis determined that Eagle’s strict bureaucratic structure inhibits collaboration and engagement with the respective First Nations communities. Through a comprehensive evaluation of Eagle’s strategic plans, this OIP recommends a three-phased organizational change strategy, and focuses on phase 1, technical capacity building within pilot project team. The change implementation plan is guided by the change path model, with the adoption of both adaptive and servant leadership theories. The OIP presents a robust organizational change plan, consisting of implementation, communication, and monitoring and evaluation strategies. The end state for this OIP is supporting self-determination aspirations of the First Nations communities taking control of their oil and gas resources for their future generations.

Available for download on Thursday, July 31, 2025

Share

COinS