The effect of arts-based training on leadership skills of managers

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of the Arts-Based Leadership Skills Program on the leadership skills of the managers. A 10-day Arts-Based Leadership Skills Program (ABLSP) was designed and applied to the managers in the experimental group. Embedded mixed methods research design which comprises quantitative and qualitative research approaches was used in the study. The sample of the research consisted of top-middle level managers working in Gaziantep University department. A total of 22 managers were assigned to the experimental (11) and control groups (11). Qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 managers participating in the experimental group. The Leadership Skills Scale developed by the researcher was used to examine the effectiveness of ABLSP. In addition, the videos and notes taken to analyze the attitudes and perceptions of the managers participating in the program were analyzed. According to the findings of the study, the ABLSP applied led to a significant difference in the leadership skills of the managers in the experimental group. In the control group where no training was given, there was no significant difference in leadership skills post-test scores. Participants' perceptions regarding the program were high. According to the results of the qualitative research, ABLSP made positive contributions to the managers both individually and organizationally.