Burgoyne, J G and Turnbull James, K (2003) Towards best or better practice in corporate leadership development: issues in mode 2 research. Working Paper. The Department of Management Learning and Leadership, Lancaster University.
Abstract
The research reported here was part of a government initiative to improve the management and leadership capability of corporations in the UK. As part of this initiative, a group was established to consider corporate leadership development. What could be learned from current practice in top (FTSE 250) companies that might be of value to other organisations striving to improve their own practices? The authors were the researchers responsible for conducting research appropriate to this objective. This paper explores the research at two levels: the research project and findings and also reflections on the research process. These reflections consider the tensions inherent in conducting Mode 2 research i.e. research that is co-produced between academic researchers and practitioners to produce actionable research. Such research needs to be rigorous and make a contribution to knowledge. This research was driven by government policy and steered by a Working Group of practitioners. This provided different opportunities and constraints than might be the case in conducting Mode 1 research.