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Interpersonal competencies define effective conservation leadership

Englefield, Eve, Black, Simon A., Copsey, Jamieson A., Knight, Andrew T. (2019) Interpersonal competencies define effective conservation leadership. Biological Conservation, 235 . pp. 18-26. ISSN 0006-3207. (doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2019.03.043) (KAR id:73847)

Abstract

Effective leadership is considered essential for conservation success, but there is currently not enough understanding of what conservation leaders are doing, and what they should be doing, in order to be effective. Other sectors, such as health, commerce, education, industry and the military have studied leadership for decades, and have a good knowledge of particular styles and suitable instruments for measuring leadership effectiveness. This study uses the perspectives of conservation professionals through interviews, a focus group and an online survey, to help develop a more comprehensive picture of the role of leaders, and leadership, within the discipline. The study concludes that competencies that relate to interpersonal leadership skills are key for effectiveness, particularly building trust amongst followers. However, leaders in conservation are not showing these to the same extent as they are showing more technical skills. Future conservation training schemes should incorporate these competencies to ensure leaders are effective. Greater understanding can help inform conservation professionals who wish to invest in leadership development schemes to improve effectiveness across conservation initiatives.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.biocon.2019.03.043
Uncontrolled keywords: Conservation psychology, Effectiveness, Leaders, Organisational learning, Social skills, Training
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation
Depositing User: Simon Black
Date Deposited: 09 May 2019 08:19 UTC
Last Modified: 05 Nov 2024 12:36 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/73847 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Black, Simon A..

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