This research explores the notion of outdoor leadership preparation in the context of the emerging
outdoor profession in Australia. It explores the nature of outdoor leadership from a number of
viewpoints and its relationship to the broader context. The research examines relevant literature
through issue-based themes relating to an emerging paradigm, leadership, preparation,
recognition and professionalisation. These themes are problematised in the context of the
emerging outdoor profession. Issues of appropriate preparation pathways and the models of
learning characteristic of each pathway are discussed throughout this research. The results of a
mapping exercise covering outdoor leadership preparation courses offered throughout Australia
in 2002 are used in conjunction with the contextual aspects to generate grounded mini-theories
relating to the topic. This study uses a cross-sectional analysis of this data and by using
descriptive statistics highlights the dominance of the learning pathways that offer a competencybased
framework for learning leadership skills. The results are discussed in relation to both the
current context and the literature. The argument that develops throughout the research is for a
reconceptualisation of the learning pathways for outdoor leadership preparation in Australia, in
light of the emerging professionalisation of the outdoor industry. Recommendations for changes
to the currently accepted entry pathways into the emerging profession are discussed, as are the
areas for further research.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/219534 |
| Date | January 2004 |
| Creators | Mann, Kathleen A., n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Education & Community Studies |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Kathleen A. Mann |
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