Leaders influencing knowledge creation and mobilization: a collective effort to foster student learning

Abstract

The importance of leadership in promoting organizational success has continued to be a topic of interest and research. In the field of education, leaders at all levels have been highlighted for their positive affect on student achievement. With the goal of improved student achievement in mind, the influence of leaders on the learning of adults was critical. New knowledge was created by educators while instructional practices and learning environments for students were analyzed. This study investigated the influence of leaders on knowledge creation and mobilization processes. As knowledge creating groups collectively engaged together to challenge current knowledge and preconceptions, new knowledge was created and implemented in classrooms, schools, and districts. To further understand the influence of leaders on knowledge creation and mobilization processes, this study included three high-performing districts based on provincial assessment results and socio-economic factors. Interviews and questionnaires were used to gather data from 5 system leaders, 11 principals, and 37 educators. Individual and focus group semi-structured interviews, as well as questionnaires, were used to gain an in-depth understanding of how leaders nurtured and facilitated knowledge creation and mobilization. The results of this study were presented through five broad themes that emerged as a result of the analysis of the study data: 1) inquiry; 2) learning beyond the boundaries; 3) collaboration; 4) focus; and 5) role specificity. The themes of the interviews were also quantified, based on the coding frequency in the interviews. Through mixed methods, the strengths of qualitative and quantitative methodologies were maximized, whereas the weaknesses were minimized. The study emphasized the importance of leaders supporting knowledge creation and mobilization processes through practices such as fostering cultures of trust and risk-taking and engaging school-based knowledge influencers. Two models were developed based on the results of this study, addressing conceptualizations of knowledge creation and mobilization processes: 1) Knowledge Creation and Mobilization Strategy and 2) Knowledge Creation. This study and the resultant models will be of interest to those wishing to further implement or study the influence of knowledge influencers on the creation and mobilization of knowledge within organizations.