Research - Affective Abilities
Affective Abilities Survey Report (Aug 2020)

The National Affective Abilities Survey, by Mandi Baker, PhD

The National Affective Abilities study proudly supported by the Australian Camps Association and the department of Jobs, Regions and Precincts, Victorian State Government.

Executive Summary

Outdoor leaders’ capabilities to connect with others in meaningful ways is at the heart of outdoor experience delivery. The social and emotional skills outdoor leaders require and draw on to make these connections are called Affective Abilities. This report summarises the results from a national survey (n=351) about the Affective Abilities that Australian outdoor leaders see as necessary and most useful.

The results of this survey suggest that effective communication is seen as the single most important and frequently used Affective Ability. Followed by learning from experiences and role modeling desired behaviour. This study reveals that outdoor leaders drew on Affective Abilities frequently (up to 79% of their day) and intensively over their careers. This report discusses the emotional demand that outdoor leaders experience and concludes with strategies for keeping great leaders leading.

Read full Report here or download below.
Read report infographic here or download below.