A theoretical integration of leader emergence and leadership effectiveness: Over,under, and congruent emergence

There is a long and rich history of research on the concept of leader emergence. Much of this research positions leader emergence alongside leadership effectiveness as an epiphenomenal criterion in leadership research. Although this view has enhanced our understanding of factors that influence leader emergence and leadership effectiveness individually, our understanding of the potential alignment or misalignment of these concepts remains opaque. Following from this, we are left with unanswered questions concerning how, why, and under what conditions do the right or wrong leaders emerge or fail to emerge. Theory that develops insights into these questions is needed to advance our understanding of leadership and to cope with challenges of identifying and developing effective leaders and maximizing leadership potential in organizations. By integrating theories of leader emergence and leadership effectiveness—and considering their implications jointly—we provide a conceptual basis for identifying and understanding a more complete range of leader emergence than has been suggested in the literature. Importantly, our theoretical frame explains how our leader emergence types—over-emergence, under-emergence, congruent emergence, and congruent non-emergence—are differentially associated with a common set of factors. In doing so, we illuminate tradeoffs that might accompany different interventions intended to enhance leadership in organizations.     

Applying a values-based decision process to facilitate comanagement of threatened species in Aotearoa New Zealand

Ko koe ki tēnā, ko ahau ki tēnai kīwai o te kete (you at that, and I at this handle of the basket). This Māori (New Zealanders of indigenous descent) saying conveys the principle of cooperation—we achieve more through working together, rather than separately. Despite decades of calls to rectify cultural imbalance in conservation, threatened species management still relies overwhelmingly on ideas from Western science and on top-down implementation. Values-based approaches to decision making can be used to integrate indigenous peoples’ values into species conservation in a more meaningful way. We used such a values-based method, structured decision making, to develop comanagement of pekapeka (Mystacina tuberculata) (short-tailed bat) and tara iti (Sternula nereis davisae) (Fairy Tern) between Māori and Pākehā (New Zealanders of European descent). We implemented this framework in a series of workshops in which facilitated discussions were used to gather expert knowledge to predict outcomes and make management recommendations. For both species, stakeholders clearly stated their values as fundamental objectives from the start, which allowed alternative strategies to be devised that naturally addressed their diverse values, including mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge and perspectives). On this shared basis, all partners willingly engaged in the process, and decisions were largely agreed to by all. Most expectations of conflicts between values of Western science and Māori culture were unfounded. Where required, positive compromises were made by jointly developing alternative strategies. The values-based process successfully taha wairua taha tangata (brought both worlds together to achieve the objective) through codeveloped recovery strategies. This approach challenges the traditional model of scientists first preparing management plans focused on biological objectives, then consulting indigenous groups for approval. We recommend values-based approaches, such as structured decision making, as powerful methods for development of comanagement conservation plans between different peoples.     

Sex differences in the consequences of maternal loss in a long-lived mammal, the red deer (Cervus elaphus)

In several primates, the presence of mothers affects the growth, survival and reproduction of their offspring, but similar effects have not yet been demonstrated in ungulates. Here, we investigate the effects of the mother’s presence in a population of red deer (Cervus elaphus) on the Isle of Rum, Scotland, which is the subject of a long-term, individual-based study. We compared measures of performance including antler growth in young males and age at first reproduction in females and survival of deer with mothers still alive against those that have lost their mothers (orphans). We show that orphaning both before and after weaning increases the risk of a natural death for both sexes. For males, no maternal benefit was detectable past 24 months of age while, for females, post-weaning benefits continued throughout life. Orphaning resulted in compromised male physical condition as measured by a reduced probability of growing antlers by 16 months of age while no evidence for compromised reproduction was found in females. These results support assertions that post-weaning maternal associations affect the development and survival of offspring.     

Fractionation and mobility of phosphorus in a sandy forest soil amended with biosolids

Goal, Scope and Background Biosolids, i.e., treated sewage sludge, are commonly used as a fertilizer and amendment to improve soil productivity. Application of biosolids to meet the nitrogen (N) requirements of crops can lead to accumulation of phosphorus (P) in soils, which may result in P loss to water bodies. Since 1996, biosolids have been applied to a Pinus radiata D. Don plantation near Nelson City, New Zealand, in an N-deficient sandy soil. To investigate sustainability of the biosolids application programme, a long-term research trial was established in 1997, and biosolids were applied every three years, at three application rates, including control (no biosolids), standard and high treatments, based on total N loading. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of repeated application of biosolids on P mobility in the sandy soil. Materials and Methods Soil samples were collected in August 2004 from the trial site at depths of 0–10, 10–25, 25–50, 50–75, and 75–100 cm. The soil samples were analysed for total P (TP), plant-available P (Olsen P and Mehlich 3 P), and various P fractions (water-soluble, bioavailable, Fe and Al-bound, Ca-bound, and residual) using a sequential P fractionation procedure. Results and Discussion Soil TP and Olsen P in the high biosolids treatment (equivalent to 600 kg N ha⁻¹ applied every three years) had increased significantly (P<0.05) in both 0–10 cm and 10–25 cm layers. Mehlich 3 P in soil of the high treatment had increased significantly only at 0–10 cm. Olsen P appeared to be more sensitive than Mehlich 3 P as an indicator of P movement in a soil profile. Phosphorus fractionation revealed that inorganic P (Al/Fe-bound P and Ca-bound P) and residual P were the main P pools in soil, whereas water-soluble P accounted for approximately 70% of TP in biosolids. Little organic P was found in either the soil or biosolids. Concentrations of water-soluble P, bioavailable inorganic P (NaHCO₃ Pi) and potentially bioavailable inorganic P (NaOH Pi) in both 0–10 and 10–25 cm depths were significantly higher in the high biosolids treatment than in the control. Mass balance calculation indicated that most P applied with biosolids was retained by the top soil (0–25 cm). The standard biosolids treatment (equivalent to 300 kg N ha⁻¹ applied every three years) had no significant effect on concentrations of TP, Mehlich 3 P and Olsen P, and P fractions in soil. Conclusions The results indicate that the soil had the capacity to retain most biosolids-derived P, and there was a minimal risk of P losses via leaching in the medium term in the sandy forest soil because of the repeated biosolids application, particularly at the standard rate. Recommendations and Perspectives Application to low-fertility forest land can be used as an environmentally friendly option for biosolids management. When biosolids are applied at a rate to meet the N requirement of the tree crop, it can take a very long time before the forest soil is saturated with P. However, when a biosolids product contains high concentrations of P and is applied at a high rate, the forest ecosystem may not have the capacity to retain all P applied with biosolids in the long term. ESS-Submission Editor: Dr. Jean-Paul Schwitzguébel jean-paul.schwitzguebel@epfl.ch     

Evaluating Flow Diversion Impacts to Groundwater‐Dependent Riparian Vegetation with Flow Alteration and Groundwater Model Analysis

An approach for assessing the potential ecologic response of groundwater‐dependent riparian vegetation to flow alteration is developed, focusing on change to groundwater. Groundwater requirements for riparian vegetation are reviewed in conjunction with flow alteration statistics. Where flow alteration coincides with groundwater‐related vegetation sensitivities, scenarios are developed for groundwater simulation. Groundwater depths and recession rates in the riparian zone are simulated for baseline and altered stream hydrographs, with changes to river stage and width represented with a transient, flow‐dependent boundary condition. Potential flow diversion from the Upper Gila River in New Mexico is examined. Statistical flow alteration analysis, applying prospective diversions to a 76‐year record of daily flow, shows that flows in the winter‐spring months and within the high‐pulse to small flood range are subject to greatest potential change. Groundwater simulation scenarios are developed for these flow conditions in representative dry, near‐average, and wet years. Differences in groundwater elevations, generally less than 0.25 m during the flow alteration period, dissipate rapidly following cessation of diversion. Relating groundwater depth, recession rates and range of fluctuations to riparian vegetation needs, we find adverse ecological response is not expected from groundwater impacts for the flow alteration examined.     

Nutrients and Heavy Metals in Legacy Sediments: Concentrations,Comparisons with Upland Soils,and Implications for Water Quality

Concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals in streambank legacy sediments are needed to estimate watershed exports and to evaluate against upland inputs. Concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals were determined for legacy sediments in 15 streambanks across northeastern Maryland, southeastern Pennsylvania, and northern Delaware. Samples were collected from multiple bank depths from forested, agricultural, urban, and suburban sites. Analyses were performed for fine (<63 μm) and coarse sediment fractions. Nutrient and heavy metal concentrations were significantly higher in fine than coarse legacy sediments and water extractable nutrient concentrations were significantly greater for fine sediments. Nutrient and heavy metal concentrations were highest in streambank legacy sediments associated with urban land use, but few differences were found with bank depth. Total N (40–3,970 mg/kg) and P (25–1,293 mg/kg) and bioavailable P (0.25–48.8 mg/kg) concentrations for legacy sediments were lower than those for upland soils. This suggests that legacy sediments could serve as sink or source of N and P depending on the redox conditions and stream water nutrient concentrations. However, despite low concentrations, caution should be exercised since streambank erosion and legacy sediment mass loadings could be high, these sediments are in immediate proximity of aquatic ecosystems, and biogeochemical transformations could result in release of the nutrients.