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Title: Towards transformational leadership: the nexus of emergency management systems in Canada

Authors: Denis H.J. Caro

Addresses: Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa/Université d'Ottawa, 55 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada

Abstract: This qualitative research study explores the leadership challenges in emergency management systems in Canada. Complex adaptive systems theory forms the theoretical paradigmatic perspective of emergency events, such as mass emergencies, disasters and catastrophes. Thematic analysis of a key informant study of emergency leaders identified 12 key leadership capabilities. From the grounded theory methodological approach, a theory of transformational emergency systems leadership emerged and is posited. The findings and implications are discussed in light of theoretical implications for humanistic and technologically driven leadership; inter-sectorial collaborative networks; adaptive learning and training of future emergency leaders; and future international emergency management research.

Keywords: complex adaptive systems theory; emergency management systems; disaster management; key informants; transformational leadership; qualitative research; emergency leaders; leadership capabilities; grounded theory; humanistic leadership; technologically driven leadership; inter-sectorial collaborative networks; adaptive learning; training.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2016.076631

International Journal of Emergency Management, 2016 Vol.12 No.2, pp.113 - 135

Received: 30 Oct 2015
Accepted: 16 Mar 2016
Published online: 17 May 2016 *