Performance Assessment in Faculty Development Programs: Value of Action Research in Leadership Training

Abstract

Most graduates of health professions enter practices without training in leadership. Short-term leadership training with no practical experience tends to be insufficient in preparing trainees for a leadership role. Action research consists of many components deemed important for leadership training. Assessing the process and outcomes of action research may also provide important information on leadership trainees’ post-training workplace performances. Whether action research enhances leadership training and if it can be used as an assessment tool in the context of continuing medical education, however, has not been well investigated. This study examined the value of action research as extended educational mechanism and a post-training assessment tool in leadership training. A mixed method approach was used to assess the reports submitted by participants of a leadership training program documenting action research as a post-training exercise. An instrument using a 5-point Likert scale was developed to assess feasibility, implementation, and outcomes of the action research and leadership exhibited in the process. Three raters were involved in the scoring and thematic analysis of the reports to identify major themes emergent. Forty-two (46 %) of the 92 participants submitted a report. Mean scores showed that the participants demonstrated strong leadership skills in all but three areas: ability for team building, sustainability of gains for a longer term, and success in overcoming barriers to change (M = 2.79, 2.90, and 3.06, respectively). Four categories of themes were identified: action planning, implementation process, outcome and impact, and follow-up activity. The themes representing newly acquired knowledge and skills indicate extended educational value in action research. Those covered in training show the value of action research in sustaining the effects of training. This study thus demonstrates that action research after leadership training has value in consolidating and strengthening the training as well as assessing workplace leadership competency.