MAPPING THE IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP TRAINING: A RIPPLE EFFECTS MAPPING OF THE KENTUCKY EXTENSION HOMEMAKER ASSOCIATION’S FIRST LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

This research study evaluates the first Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association (KEHA) Leadership Academy using the participatory, qualitative evaluation tool Ripple Effects Mapping (REM). This study explored the impact and outcomes of the training, both intended and unintended. REM is a participatory evaluation method that begins with appreciative inquiry, then continues with a group discussion where stories are “mapped” or illustrated in real time. Using the Theming and Rippling Method of REM, the research team coded the information on site with inductive theming and those themes were then shared and confirmed with the group. After the event, the mapped data was coded using axial coding and utilizing the University of Minnesota Extension Leadership Model as a lens. The stories shared at the event suggested the Leadership Academy training had a lasting impact on participants. The themes revealed parallel the Leadership Model selected as the lens for this project. Furthermore, the coding process identified emergent patterns within the stories shared, showing that individual development may lead to organizational or systems development. The presented REM results can be used to continue successful components in future training programs. The results may help leaders to grow and improve the training. Further, by utilizing a leadership theory as a lens, this study advances the use of REM evaluations in a new direction for researchers.