Fostering a collaborative culture through effective business practice at NAIT

This organizational leadership project investigated how the employees at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) may enhance their collaboration across departments, in particular, when managing key data systems. An action research methodology, with an appreciative stance, reflected on how NAIT can leverage its value of collaboration when facilitating projects that impact multiple stakeholders. A learning circle and four individual interviews provided the space for NAIT staff members to share their success stories about collaboration and also how their personal values align with NAIT’s values. The recommendations demonstrated the desire for the fulfilment of individual growth and nurturing of passion through empowerment. Leadership training and mentorship were identified as crucial elements for supporting individuals in fostering their collaborative capacity. FOSTERING A COLLABORATIVE CULTURE 4 Acknowledgements This organizational leadership journey proved to be an invaluable personal growth opportunity. Finding the courage and confidence to begin the process was the most crucial, and I owe a heartfelt thank you to George Andrews, who has been a valuable supporter in my professional development and has cosponsored this research project. He challenged me to look beyond my fears and to plan for my future successes. Additionally, Tony Olmsted, who at one time I knew only as a director within our organization, deserves total gratitude. Not only did Tony dedicate himself as a cosponsor of this inquiry project, but he also became a mentor to my personal development and a cherished friend. I want to also express my gratefulness to my advisor, Niels Agger-Gupta, who initially believed in my project and guided me every step of the way and to my second faculty member, Catherine Etmanski, for her ongoing support and encouragement. A sincere thanks is owed to Kelly Wood, who is a dear friend and was invaluable as a third-party facilitator in this inquiry. I also want to recognize my peers from the cohort who continually encouraged me, enhanced my learning, and have become true friends. I am blessed with loving and supportive family and friends. To my parents, Aldo and Maria, your pride in me and my academic accomplishments kept me going in times when I was completely stressed and unsure I would ever make it through. Thanks to my brother Rob, for checking in on me and ensuring I was getting my writing done. To my best friend Candice and her beautiful daughters Liliana and Willa, my sincere appreciation for your belief in me and understanding that I wouldn’t be able to visit until my project was complete. I am grateful to my colleagues who truly have become family to me; your ongoing encouragement and support was instrumental in my completion of this thesis. Thank you to the leadership team at NAIT and staff FOSTERING A COLLABORATIVE CULTURE 5 who willingly gave their time to participate in the research and openly shared their stories. It is an honour and a privilege to work with you each and every day and to call myself a NAIT Ook! FOSTERING A COLLABORATIVE CULTURE 6 Table of