Beyond Learner Reaction: Measuring the Impact of Leadership Development at The Ivey Academy

Abstract

This paper provides an in-depth exploration of The Ivey Academy’s transition from traditional satisfaction-based evaluations to a more comprehensive impact evaluation approach in leadership development. Recognizing the limitations of relying solely on participant satisfaction, The Ivey Academy adopted a modified framework inspired by the Kirkpatrick Model, which evaluates satisfaction, learning, application, and longterm impact. This framework utilizes a range of data collection tools, including surveys, interviews, and action plans. The paper details the implementation process, from securing stakeholder engagement to designing effective surveys and overcoming the challenges of resistance and operational limitations. A key focus of the paper is on the impact survey results from the first term of open enrollment programs, which demonstrate significant improvements in workplace behavior and leadership strategies among participants. Additionally, it highlights the challenges in ensuring data comparability across diverse programs and audiences. Looking ahead, the paper discusses future directions for The Ivey Academy, emphasizing the refinement of the evaluation process, expanding impact measurement, and exploring standardization across various leadership development programs. This approach underscores The Ivey Academy’s commitment to driving realworld change through leadership education, offering valuable insights for other institutions aiming to adopt similar evaluation practices.