Leadership and Organizational Change in Policing: Insights from Northern Ireland with Dr. Joanne Murphy

The Evolving Nature of Leadership: Reflections on Authenticity, Change, and Empathy

Stephen A. Morreale, Worcester State University, Host: The CopDoc Podcast

The CopDoc Podcast Leadership Newsletter

Note: This article is created from an interview between Steve Morreale and Joanne Murphy on The CopDoc Podcast.? It has been distilled and synthesized for reading by the author with the assistance of AI, using ChatGPT, a text generator.

Introduction:

In an interview on The CopDoc Podcast, Joanne Murphy, a reader in leadership and organizational change at Queen's University Belfast, now at the Birmingham Business School in the UK.? Joanne discussed her work in the field of policing and organizational change, particularly focusing on her experiences in Northern Ireland. The conversation highlighted the challenges and complexities associated with transforming a police force in a deeply divided society. This article explores Murphy's background, her involvement in policing research, the transformation of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) into the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), and her observations on events in the United States.

Murphy emphasizes that leadership is not confined to a single individual at the top of an organization but can be demonstrated at all levels. The conversation also touches upon the significance of forgiveness, the role of communication, and the challenges faced by leaders in driving change. They conclude by highlighting the universal nature of leadership and the need for leaders to engage with and listen to others.

Background and Interest in Conflict:

Joanne Murphy's interest in policing and organizational change stemmed from her fascination with conflict, particularly the context of Northern Ireland. With Northern Ireland's history of conflict, the role of policing and security has played a significant part in the region. Murphy initially worked in the community and voluntary sector, witnessing the importance of institutional and organizational change for organizations adapting to a more peaceful environment.

Involvement in Policing Research:

Murphy's involvement with various organizations, including the Orange Order, The Apprentice Boys, and the Gaelic Athletic Association, exposed her to the intricacies of change in policing. Additionally, her engagement with the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) during a tense period allowed her to witness the challenges faced by organizations during times of transition. This experience, combined with her academic background in political science and a keen interest in organizational change, led her to pursue a Ph.D. in the School of Business at Trinity College, Dublin.

Transformation of the RUC into the PSNI:

The conversation delved into the transformation process of the RUC into the PSNI, which involved significant organizational and symbolic changes. Murphy emphasized the difficulties inherent in such a transformation, especially considering the historical significance of the RUC within Northern Ireland. The name change alone, removing "Royal" from the title, was a monumental task given the emotional and symbolic weight associated with it. Murphy acknowledged the role of external intervention and validation in facilitating these changes.

Leadership and Resistance:

Murphy highlighted the pivotal role of leadership in the transformation process. She commended the leaders of that time, such as Chief Constables like Sir Ronnie Flanagan, who demonstrated authenticity and authority in driving the change forward. However, she also acknowledged the internal and external resistance faced by the organization. Some officers felt that the changes undermined their contributions and loyalty to the RUC. Murphy emphasized the delicate balance between acknowledging the past while pushing for necessary reforms.

Comparisons with the United States:

Reflecting on recent events in the United States, Murphy expressed her astonishment and drew parallels with the experiences in Northern Ireland. The attack on the U.S. Capitol highlighted the fragility of democracy and the crucial role of policing in maintaining peace and preventing chaos. She empathized with the police officers caught in the midst of the violence and acknowledged their bravery and adaptive leadership. The conversation prompted a broader discussion about the different terminologies used in the United States, such as "human rights" versus "constitutional rights," and the implications for policing.

The Changing Face of Leadership:

Leadership, once defined by specific traits or qualities, has evolved over time. Murphy suggests that the focus should be on developing authentic leadership practices that resonate with individuals. While various leadership models exist, what truly matters is self-reflection and an understanding that leadership is an ongoing developmental process.

Leadership at All Levels:

Leadership is not limited to those in formal leadership positions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing leadership abilities in individuals throughout an organization, regardless of their rank. While leaders at the top set the tone, it is equally important to acknowledge and appreciate the leadership demonstrated by those at lower levels.

Learning from Diverse Fields:

To broaden perspectives and enhance leadership practices, Morreale suggests looking beyond police leadership and drawing inspiration from other fields such as business, academia, and health. Murphy agrees and highlights that leadership principles can be found across various disciplines, emphasizing that leadership is leadership, regardless of the organizational context.

Leadership and Change:

Leadership is inherently linked to change, as leaders are responsible for driving progress and moving organizations forward. Effective leaders articulate a vision, communicate it clearly, and engage others in the process. They actively seek out diverse perspectives, listen to alternative viewpoints, and adapt their approach to suit different communication styles.

The Role of Forgiveness:

Leaders, like everyone else, make mistakes. Murphy emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in leadership, both for leaders and their teams. The expectation that leaders should never make mistakes can be detrimental, leading to defensive behaviors. Understanding the reality of human experience and allowing room for forgiveness is crucial for leaders to learn, grow, and build trust within their organizations.

The Challenge of Leadership:

Leadership is undeniably challenging and can be emotionally draining. The conversation acknowledges the demanding nature of leadership roles, emphasizing the need for empathy, resilience, and the ability to connect with and support others.

Leadership in Times of Crisis:

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic serves as a reminder of the critical role leadership plays during crises. Successful leaders embrace open communication, actively seek contrary arguments, and stay well-informed by maintaining strong networks throughout their organizations. Engaging others, fostering dialogue, and maintaining transparency are vital for effective leadership during turbulent times.

Looking Ahead:

Murphy shares her plans for a sabbatical, during which she will focus on research related to leadership and conflict. Her work will delve into the Department of Foreign Affairs' role in the Northern Ireland conflict and explore the impact of Brexit on policing in Northern Ireland. Additionally, she aims to contemplate the place of leadership in a world marked by volatility and uncertainty.

Seeking Knowledge and Inspiration:

As an academic, Murphy is privileged to access a vast array of knowledge. She seeks inspiration from various sources, including books and articles. One book she mentions is written by psychiatrist Victor Frankl, known for his work on human resilience and finding meaning in difficult circumstances.

Conclusion:

The conversation between Steve and Joanne offers valuable insights into leadership and its evolving nature. They highlight the importance of authenticity, adaptability, and empathy.

Joanne Murphy's expertise in leadership and organizational change within policing provided valuable insights into the complexities of transforming a police force. Her experiences in Northern Ireland, particularly during the transition from the RUC to the PSNI, shed light on the challenges, resistance, and importance of leadership in driving organizational change. The interview also emphasized the need for external validation and intervention to facilitate necessary reforms. Furthermore, Murphy's observations on recent events in the United States sparked meaningful discussions about democracy, policing, and the role of law enforcement in maintaining peace and safeguarding communities.

Dr. Joanne Murphy can be contacted by email at [email protected]

Reference

Transcript from an interview between Steve Morreale and Joanne Murphy, episode #12, March 15, 2021, www.copdoc.podcast.com

Link to episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1582894/7740112-the-copdoc-podcast-ep012-interview-with-dr-joanne-murphy-queens-university-belfast.mp3?download=true

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