Leading in the metaverse: virtual innovation for leadership and team development

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Abstract
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Purpose This paper examines how the metaverse, a convergence of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and persistent digital platforms, can reshape leadership development and team collaboration. It evaluates opportunities and challenges, positioning the metaverse within established theories of leadership and adult learning. Design/methodology/approach The study employs a qualitative, descriptive methodology using secondary data from scholarly research, case studies, and industry reports. Open coding and thematic analysis identified recurring patterns, which were synthesized with theories of experiential learning, emotional intelligence, and transformational leadership. Findings Immersive simulations enhance emotional intelligence, adaptive leadership, and collaborative problem-solving across distributed teams. Gamification sustains motivation and supports innovation through virtual prototyping. However, barriers such as unequal access to digital infrastructure, cognitive fatigue, and overreliance on vendor-driven narratives limit effectiveness. A hybrid model, combining immersive tools with traditional development practices, emerges as the most effective approach for balancing engagement, inclusivity, and sustainability. Research limitations/implications Relying solely on secondary data, the study calls for future longitudinal research to explore the psychological and organizational impacts of sustained metaverse use in leadership development. Practical implications Organizations can leverage metaverse platforms to deliver scalable, interactive leadership programs but must prioritize digital inclusion and adopt hybrid strategies to mitigate risks. Social implications If implemented equitably, the metaverse can broaden access to leadership development for geographically or economically disadvantaged groups, fostering greater inclusivity in organizational learning. Originality/value The paper bridges metaverse applications with established theoretical frameworks. Rather than treating the metaverse as a wholesale replacement for leadership development, it positions immersive environments as complementary tools that democratize access to training while reinforcing essential leadership competencies.

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Transformational leadership and emotional intelligence of graduate managers
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  • 10.4018/979-8-3693-5242-7.ch002
The Leader Coach
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The Development of Leaders: Suggested Modules for Education
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The development of leaders is critical for the education of all professionals and, particularly, those in the field of occupational therapy. Current accreditation standards offer a limited perspective on leadership, and educators should consider a more holistic viewpoint to leadership development, especially as many programs are moving to the doctoral level. The adult learning theory of andragogy in conjunction with social learning theory, experiential learning theory, and leadership theories can help guide educators’ creation of integrative learning opportunities. This paper proposes a framework for leadership education that promotes building leadership capacity through leadership skill, identity, and mindset formation. Suggested evidence-based learning strategies and assessment methods complement the leadership development framework.

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Tracing professional metamorphosis
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Influence of Emotional Intelligence on Employees’ Leadership Skills –Strategic Approach towards Organizational Stability
  • Jan 1, 2012
  • IOSR Journal of Business and Management
  • Abdul Rahman Zaki

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  • Discussion
  • Cite Count Icon 25
  • 10.1108/dlo-12-2023-0256
Leadership training and development in the age of artificial intelligence
  • May 21, 2024
  • Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal
  • Martin Sposato

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the multifaceted implications of AI on leadership dynamics and organizational practices. By synthesizing insights from behavioral theory, AI analytics, and ethical considerations, the study aims to equip leaders with the requisite knowledge, skills, and mindset to foster adaptive leadership, anticipate change, and cultivate innovation amidst AI-driven disruptions.Design/methodology/approachThis article employs a qualitative research approach, integrating literature review and conceptual analysis to explore the intersection of leadership development and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Drawing insights from scholarly articles, theoretical frameworks and practice, the study elucidates the evolving landscape of leadership in the context of AI adoption. Practical action points are derived to guide organizational leaders and educators in navigating AI-induced transformations effectively.FindingsThe integration of AI into leadership dynamics necessitates a paradigm shift in leadership paradigms, emphasizing the fusion of technical proficiency with emotional intelligence. Behavioral theory coupled with AI analytics offers valuable insights into effective leadership behaviors, facilitating the design of tailored leadership development programs. Proactive leadership strategies, ethical considerations, and talent management emerge as pivotal factors in navigating AI-induced transformations and fostering organizational resilience.Originality/valueThis article contributes to the literature by synthesizing diverse perspectives on AI leadership and offering practical action points for organizational leaders and educators. By highlighting the integration of behavioral theory, AI analytics, and ethical considerations, the study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in leadership research and education. The insights derived from this study inform organizational practices, curriculum development in higher education, and future research agendas, fostering ethical AI adoption and cultivating adaptive leadership cultures in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

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  • Preprint Article
  • 10.1101/2024.04.10.24305646
High-fidelity simulation versus case-based tutorial sessions for teaching pharmacology: convergent mixed methods research investigating undergraduate medical students’ performance and perception
  • Apr 21, 2024
  • Rachid Kaddoura + 14 more

Introduction Medical educators strive to improve their curricula to enhance the student learning experience. The use of high-fidelity simulation within basic and clinical medical science subjects has been one of these initiatives. However, there is paucity of evidence on using simulation for teaching pharmacology, and the effectiveness of this teaching modality, relative to more traditional ones, have not been sufficiently investigated. Accordingly, this study compares the effects of high-fidelity simulation, which is designed in alignment with adult and experiential learning theories, and traditional case-based tutorial sessions on the performance and perception of undergraduate Year 2 medical students in pharmacology in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Methods This study employed a convergent mixed methods approach. Forty-nine medical students were randomly assigned to one of two groups during the 16-week pharmacology course. Each group underwent one session delivered via high-fidelity simulation and another via a case-based tutorial. A short multiple-choice question quiz was administered twice (immediately upon completion of the respective sessions and 5 weeks afterwards) to assess knowledge retention. Furthermore, to explore the students’ perceptions regarding the two modes of learning delivery (independently and in relation to each other), an evaluation survey was administered following the delivery of each session. Thereafter, the iterative joint display analysis was used to develop a holistic understanding of the effect of high-fidelity simulation in comparison to traditional case-based tutorial sessions on pharmacology learning in the context of the study. Results There was no statistically significant difference in students’ knowledge retention between high-fidelity simulation and case-based tutorial sessions. Yet, students expressed a greater preference for high-fidelity simulation, describing the corresponding sessions as more varied, better at reinforcing learning, and closer to reality. As such, the meta-inferences led to expansion of the overall understanding around students’ satisfaction, to both confirmation and expansion of the systemic viewpoint around students’ preferences, and lastly to refinement in relation to the perspective around retained knowledge. Conclusion High-fidelity simulation was found to be as effective as case-based tutorial sessions in terms of students’ retention of knowledge. Nonetheless, students demonstrated a greater preference for high-fidelity simulation. The study advocates caution in adapting high-fidelity simulation, where careful appraisal can lend itself to identifying contexts where it is most effective. Key terms pharmacology; high-fidelity simulation; case-based tutorial; undergraduate medical education; mixed methods research; data integration; joint display analysis; Kirkpatrick evaluation model; Learning-Transfer Evaluation Model; adult learning theory; self-regulated learning; Kolb’s experiential learning theory; social constructionism theory; assessment; evaluation; performance; perception; knowledge retention; Dubai; United Arab Emirates; Middle East and North Africa

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  • Research Article
  • 10.47604/ijlg.2413
Development and Evaluation of Leadership Training and Development Programs in Uganda
  • Mar 20, 2024
  • International Journal of Leadership and Governance
  • Aisha Namutebi

Abstract
 Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the development and evaluation of leadership training and development programs.
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: Leadership training programs in Uganda should be tailored to local needs, emphasizing experiential learning and ongoing support. Evaluations should consider both short-term outcomes and long-term impacts on organizational performance. Collaboration between stakeholders can improve program effectiveness.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Transformational leadership theory, adult learning theory & kirkpatrick's model of training evaluation may be used to anchor future studies on the development and evaluation of leadership training and development programs. Design training programs that emphasize experiential learning through simulations, case studies, and real-world projects. Advocate for organizational policies that prioritize investment in leadership development programs.

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  • Cite Count Icon 37
  • 10.4102/sajhrm.v19i0.1279
Revisiting the emotional intelligence and transformational leadership debate: (How) does emotional intelligence matter to effective leadership?
  • Jan 27, 2021
  • SA Journal of Human Resource Management
  • Gina Görgens-Ekermans + 1 more

Orientation: Empirical evidence supports the notion that emotional intelligence (EI) and transformational leadership (TFL) are related and confirms the positive effect of this leadership style on follower attitudes and performance. However, more insight is needed into the nomological net of variables that affect outcomes of effective leadership, as experienced by the follower of a leader who exhibits TFL behaviours, being influenced by various EI competencies.Research purpose: This study developed and tested a structural model that depicts the nature of the relationships between EI competencies, TFL behaviours and three outcomes of effective leadership.Motivation for the study: We argued that more insight into how (1) different components of EI affect TFL behaviours, and how (2) different components of TFL behaviours, in turn, affect outcomes of effective leadership, could be valuable in designing targeted interventions to increase employee commitment, job satisfaction (JS) and perceived supervisor support (PSS).Research design/design and method: The cross-sectional data included a sample of 267 respondents, with 85 leader–follower dyads that were analysed with partial least squares modelling. Self and other ratings were employed.Main findings: Nine of the 19 postulated relationships in the structural model were supported. Three of the four TFL components were shown to be influenced by various components of EI. Only PSS was significantly affected by idealised influence as a TFL behaviour.Practical/managerial implications: Increased understanding of which EI competencies influence TFL behaviours may be useful in the development of leaders by guiding targeted EI intervention strategies to increase leadership effectiveness.Contribution / value-add: This study confirmed the notion that EI competencies seem to be hierarchically ordered, whilst also providing insight into the differential impact of these competencies on TFL behaviours.

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