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Next Generation Leaders Programme: a multi-methods evaluation of a leadership development programme for biomedical researchers

Abstract:

Background: Biomedical scientists have become de facto leaders for their research teams. Theories of expert leadership suggest that the specialist knowledge and credibility these researcher-leaders bring to their roles can lead to improved performance. Formal leadership development for biomedical researchers remains uncommon, and it is unclear whether existing leadership development programmes achieve improved individual and organisational outcomes. Our study evaluates the effectiveness of a single centre leadership development programme for biomedical researchers using a mixed-methods approach.

Methods: 26 biomedical researchers participated in an 8 month single centre multidisciplinary leadership development programme. Participants completed prospective pre-test, retrospective then-test and traditional post-test self-assessments using the Primary Colours Questionnaire (PCQ) and Medical Leadership Competency Framework Self-Assessment Tool (MLCFQ). Pre–post pairs and then–post pairs were analysed for changes using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and compared with a parallel mixed-methods evaluation organised by Kirkpatrick levels.

Results: There were significant increases in 3/7 domains and 1/5 tasks of leadership in the PCQ, in both pre-post and then-post paired assessments. There were statistically significant but small increases in 2/7 domains of the MLCFQ. The mixed-methods data showed positive outcomes at all Kirkpatrick levels. Participants said the programme was relevant, interesting and well-organised, with 63% reporting increased confidence and motivation. Participants had a significant change in behaviour, spending 1– 2 hours per week on group projects, which were successfully implemented locally. 42% of participants expected these projects to continue beyond the programme.

Discussion: This study demonstrates a local leadership programme can have positive impact within a biomedical research centre despite time and financial constraints. We encourage future studies to utilise a mixed-methods approach to evaluating the impact of leadership development programmes.

Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Publisher copy:
10.2147/amep.s386961

Authors


More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Oxford college:
Pembroke College
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0003-3061-5893
More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Department:
Primary Care Health Sciences
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0001-5809-7173


Publisher:
Dove Press
Journal:
Advances in Medical Education and Practice More from this journal
Volume:
2022
Issue:
13
Pages:
1547-1554
Publication date:
2022-12-22
Acceptance date:
2022-12-06
DOI:
EISSN:
1179-7258
Pmid:
36582944


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
1318472
Local pid:
pubs:1318472
Deposit date:
2023-01-28

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