Program development for leaders in the Post-Truth Era :|arts-based creative leadership communication program

Abstract

Developments in media and communication technologies welcomed a new era, defined as post-truth, implying a general distancing from the truth, where fake or speculative messages can be instantly shared by a vast audience. In this era, we need leaders with strong emotional and social skills to create a positive and ethical impact in society. In this study, due to the requirements of the Post-Truth Era which necessitates a new approach to leadership development, an online arts-based learning program entitled Arts-Based Creative Leadership Communication Program is designed for leaders with three main objectives. These objectives are to increase firstly their creative communication skills; secondly, healing effect of arts for their resilience; and, thirdly, social sensitivity through arts. After the design and implementation of this program, its targeted effects on the participants were analyzed, and an ARTS Learning Model was developed. Results indicated that all of the expected outcomes of the program were achieved successfully, and also its transformative effects were ensured in the long run. Meanwhile, it was observed that the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic with its digital transformation process increased the effects of the program. The highest development was seen in the healing effect, while change in social sensitivity appeared as the lowest. The awareness created about the irrational functioning of the Post-Truth Era during the program affected social sensitivity scores negatively. Emotional skills as non-verbal communication element was developed more than social skills. To sum up, the program was found successful for the leaders in the Post-Truth Era.