The Public Leadership Innovation Group (PLIG) is a research group dedicated to advancing the theory and practice of public leadership in the context of contemporary governance challenges. PLIG’s research interests revolve around exploring innovative approaches to leadership in the public sector, with a focus on addressing complex societal problems and promoting effective governance.

Key areas of research for PLIG include:

Adaptive Leadership

PLIG investigates adaptive leadership approaches that enable public leaders to navigate uncertainty, complexity, and change. They explore strategies for fostering agility, resilience, and innovation in leadership practices to address emerging challenges and seize opportunities.

Collaborative Governance

PLIG examines models of collaborative governance that involve partnerships between government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, and citizens to co-create and implement solutions to public problems. They research mechanisms for building trust, managing conflicts, and fostering collective decision-making processes.

Transformational Leadership

PLIG explores transformational leadership behaviors and strategies that inspire and motivate individuals and organizations to achieve ambitious goals and drive positive change. They study the role of visionary leadership, empowerment, and ethical leadership in transforming public institutions and systems.

Inclusive Leadership

PLIG focuses on inclusive leadership practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in decision-making and policy processes. They examine strategies for fostering belonging, amplifying marginalized voices, and addressing systemic biases within organizations and communities.

Digital Leadership

PLIG investigates the role of digital technologies in shaping leadership practices and governance dynamics. They explore how digital leadership encompasses skills such as digital literacy, data-driven decision-making, and online engagement strategies for building trust and legitimacy.

Leadership Development and Capacity Building

PLIG studies leadership development programs and capacity-building initiatives aimed at cultivating the next generation of public leaders. They research effective pedagogical approaches, mentorship models, and experiential learning opportunities for nurturing leadership skills and competencies.

Resilient Leadership

PLIG examines resilience-building strategies for public leaders to navigate crises, disasters, and emergencies effectively. They explore resilience at both the individual and organizational levels, including strategies for stress management, adaptive decision-making, and organizational learning.

Cross-Sector Leadership

PLIG explores the role of cross-sectoral collaboration and leadership in addressing complex societal challenges that require coordinated action across government, civil society, and the private sector. They examine leadership strategies for building strategic partnerships, leveraging diverse expertise, and aligning interests to achieve shared goals.

Adaptive Governance

PLIG investigates adaptive governance frameworks that enable public leaders to respond flexibly and effectively to changing circumstances and emerging issues. They explore mechanisms for fostering experimentation, learning, and adaptation in governance processes and decision-making.

Political Leadership and Governance Reform

PLIG examines the role of political leadership in driving governance reforms and institutional change. They research strategies for mobilizing political will, overcoming vested interests, and navigating political obstacles to achieve policy innovation and transformational change.

Leadership in Global Governance

PLIG considers leadership dynamics in the context of global governance institutions and multilateral cooperation mechanisms. They explore the role of diplomatic leadership, coalition-building, and negotiation strategies in addressing transnational challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and migration.

Leadership and Organizational Change

PLIG investigates leadership approaches to managing organizational change and innovation within public agencies and institutions. They explore strategies for overcoming resistance to change, fostering a culture of innovation, and promoting continuous improvement in service delivery and performance.

Overall, PLIG’s research agenda is driven by a commitment to advancing public leadership theory and practice, fostering innovation and excellence in governance, and preparing leaders to address the complex challenges of the 21st century.

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