Examining the Relationship Between Leaders' Self-efficacy and Their Conceptualizations of Effective Senior Leadership in the Calgary Police Service
Date
2019-09-06
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Abstract
Given the growing complexities of 21st-century policing, police leaders must exercise leadership that results in public safety and trust. This mixed methods study, following an explanatory sequential design, investigated the self-efficacy beliefs and the factors that have influenced the leader effectiveness of sworn and civilian senior police leaders in the Calgary Police Service (CPS). The conceptual framework for the study included leadership theory, social cognitive theory, mentorship, organizational culture, learning organizations, and organizational change. Of the 55 potential participants, 36 completed Phase 1, in which quantitative data were collected using a demographic survey, a leadership self-efficacy instrument, and a transformational leadership instrument. In Phase 2, 34 participants completed qualitative semistructured interviews. The data produced six overarching themes in relation to highly effective leadership: (1) learning to lead, (2) exemplary interpersonal skills, (3) values-centric leadership, (4) leader competency, (5) leader self-awareness, and (6) creating a positive work environment. They further identified several potential barriers to effective leadership: (a) strong personal relationships, (b) promotional and transfer processes in the CPS, (c) organizational structure, and (d) organizational culture. Based on the results, the Model for Enhanced Senior Leadership in Police Organizations was developed. It identifies the critical components required to create leader alignment, reduce the trust gap between senior leadership and operations, and increase senior leader effectiveness in police organizations.
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police, leadership theory, social cognitive theory, self-efficacy, organizational culture, organizational change
Citation
Pozzobon, T. A. (2019). Examining the Relationship Between Leaders' Self-efficacy and Their Conceptualizations of Effective Senior Leadership in the Calgary Police Service (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.